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Medication for Triglycerides

According to the Mayo Clinic, high blood triglyceride levels may increase the risk of heart disease. Your physician may prescribe one or more of four types of medications to lower your triglyceride levels. Normal triglyceride levels are less than 150 milligrams per deciliter of blood, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  1. Fibrates

    • According to Phillip Treadwell, PharmD, prescription medications known as fibrates, including gemfibrozil and fenofibrate, work best to lower blood triglyceride levels. Possible side effects of both medications include stomach pain and muscle pain or weakness.

    Statins

    • Prescription medications known as statins, inlcluding simvastatin, pravastatin sodium, atorvastatin calcium, lovastatin and fluvastatin sodium, work well in lowering moderately high triglyceride levels. Possible side effects of statins include fever, jaundice, nausea, rash, hives, itching, pain in upper right abdomen, muscle pain or weakness and swelling of the face, throat or hands.

    Niacin

    • Available in prescription and over-the-counter versions, niacin lowers triglyceride levels more than the statins but less than the fibrates, according to Treadwell. Possible side effects of niacin include itching, headache, blurred vision, nausea, jaundice and dizziness.

    Fish Oil

    • Fish oil supplements, which provide omega-3 fatty acids may lower blood triglyceride levels.Possible side effects of fish oil or omega-3-acid include burping, nausea, heartburn, rash and changes in sense of taste.

    Other Considerations

    • Your physician may prescribe medication when lifestyle changes fail to control your triglyceride levels. The Mayo Clinic reports the best ways to lower triglycerides include the following: lose excess weight, exercise routinely, and avoid sugar, refined foods, trans fat and alcohol.

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