Aim: To determine whether evidence from randomised clinical trials supports the use of fibrates to reduce non-fatal and fatal cardiovascular events in patients with dyslipidaemia.
Method: Review of randomised clinical trials of fibrates that assess clinical outcomes.
Result: In clinical trials which have which have included over 40,000 patients there was no difference in all cause mortality for patients randomised to a fibrate compared to placebo. Treatment with a fibrate was associated with a small reduction in the risk of non-fatal cardiovascular events.
Discussion: Current evidence does not support the use of fibrates to reduce cardiovascular mortality. Other proven strategies including statins, aspirin, angiotension converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, good blood pressure control, and lifestyle interventions should be used to reduce cardiovascular risk.