Effect of Gemfibrozil on Serum Lipids in Man

Abstract

The effect of gemfibrozil, a new lipid-lowering agent, was studied in 22 patients. Each patient served as his own control in a double blind study. The administration of gemfibrozil, for a period of 24 months, 1200 mg daily, reduced mean serum triglyceride levels by 45.6% (p<0.001) and mean serum cholesterol levels by 8.3% (p<0.001). Mean serum HDL cholesterol was increased by 32.3% (p<.0001) and mean serum LDL cholesterol levels were decreased by 11.4% (p<0.01). Mean serum VLDL cholesterol was decreased by 45.9% (p<0.001). A 3-hour glucose-tolerance test was done in each patient during a placebo-control period and during the administration of gemfibrozil. Mean plasma glucose was moderately increased during the administration of gemfibrozil at all points on the glucose tolerance curve, and to levels of significance at one (p<0.05) and two hours (p<0.02). There was no effect of the drug on serum immunoreactive insulin. No subjective side effects were apparent.