Clofibrate is rarely used nowadays. These are the cholesterol lowering medications that have been getting a lot press lately. They work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for manufacturing cholesterol. They differ from one another in terms of their potency. Atorvastatin and cerivastatin appear to be the best at lowering triglyceride levels.
Statins have other effects that also help prevent heart disease.
These include a mild blood thinning effect and an antiinflammatory effect on the walls of the blood vessels. The main side effect to be alert for is muscle aches and pains. These should be reported to the physician immediately. Blood tests are also monitored periodically for liver dysfunction. This complication is infrequent, readily reversable and rarely serious.