What Kind of Medicines Cause High Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat located in the blood. High triglycerides may increase the risk of medical problems such as heart disease. Medications, such as tamoxifen, beta blockers, diuretics, steroids and estrogen, may raise triglyceride levels.

Tamoxifen

• Tamoxifen is a hormone therapy used for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer for women of all ages. Other uses include breast pain and menopausal treatments.

Beta Blockers

• Beta blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol, are used to treat heart conditions, as well as glaucoma and social anxiety disorder.

Diuretics

• Diuretics excrete water from the body. They are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Types of diuretic medicines include spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide.

Steroids

• Steroids may be used to reduce inflammation in medical conditions such as lupus and asthma. Steroids may either be classified as cortosteroids or anabolics.

Estrogen

• Estrogen is a female sex hormone. It can be found in oral contraceptives and estrogen replacement therapy often used by postmenopausal women. Estrogen is also used in breast cancer treatment.