In addition to lifestyle changes, what medication is indicated for a patient with severe hypertriglyceridemia?

For a patient with severe hypertriglyceridemia, the use of Fenofibrate (Tricor) is particularly effective in reducing triglyceride levels. Fenofibrate is a fibrate that acts by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which then enhances the clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins from the bloodstream. This is especially important in cases where triglyceride levels are markedly elevated, as reducing these levels helps lower the risk of pancreatitis and other complications associated with hypertriglyceridemia.

In contrast, while atorvastatin and simvastatin are statins that primarily target low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, they have a lesser effect on triglycerides compared to fibrates. Niacin can lower triglycerides as well, but its use is often limited due to potential side effects and is not first-line therapy specifically for dealing with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Thus, Fenofibrate stands out as the most appropriate choice in this scenario for directly addressing the problem of elevated triglycerides.