What are the risks of triglycerides?

Triglycerides

Before we get into the risks, let’s first look at triglycerides. Simply put, triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that comes from the foods we eat.1 Knowing how much is in the blood is an important measure of heart health.

Both cholesterol and triglycerides are separate types of lipids in the blood.2 Triglycerides help the body produce energy, while bad cholesterol helps with the production of hormones and to build cells.1,2

What causes high triglycerides?

  • When you eat food, your body uses up the calories it needs, then turns additional calories into triglycerides
  • Triglycerides are stored in fat cells
  • Between meals, your hormones release triglycerides for energy
  • If you consume more calories than your body needs (especially foods high in carbohydrates and fats), you may develop high triglycerides2
  • Certain lifestyle factors may contribute to high triglycerides, including:3
Being overweight
Being physically inactive
Excessive alcohol intake
Diet high in carbohydrates
Smoking

Additionally, certain medications, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, and liver or kidney disease can all elevate triglyceride levels.1

What can you do to lower your triglyceride levels?3

how to lower triglycerides

What are the risks of having high triglycerides?

  • High triglyceride levels have been associated with liver and pancreas problems4
  • High triglycerides can present in other conditions, like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high levels of bad cholesterol, and low levels of good cholesterol4
  • These conditions may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke2
  • It hasn’t been determined which of these conditions are caused by triglycerides alone4

How do you know if you have high triglycerides?

The recommended way to find out if you have high triglycerides is through a blood test called a lipoprotein profile. Working with your doctor by taking a simple blood test can help you determine if your triglycerides are high.1

 What are high- and low- density lipoproteins?
What do your cholesterol numbers mean?
What is TRILIPIX?

Uses for TRILIPIX® (fenofibric acid) delayed-release capsules5

  • TRILIPIX should only be used when other measures, such as diet and exercise, have not been enough.
  • TRILIPIX is a prescription medicine used to treat cholesterol in the blood by lowering the total amount of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol, and increasing the HDL (good) cholesterol. You should be on a low fat and low cholesterol diet while you take TRILIPIX.
  • TRILIPIX is also used along with diet to lower severely high triglycerides. Improving blood sugar control in certain people with diabetes may prevent the need for cholesterol drug therapy.
  • TRILIPIX has not been shown to lower your risk of having heart problems or a stroke.

Important Safety Information for TRILIPIX5

  • TRILIPIX should not be taken by people with liver, gallbladder, or severe kidney disease, nursing mothers, or those allergic to any product ingredient.
  • TRILIPIX can cause serious liver injury, including liver transplantation and death. Tell your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of liver injury including dark urine, abnormal stool, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), malaise (feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness), abdominal pain, myalgia (muscle pain), weight loss, pruritus (itching), or nausea. Blood tests are needed before and during treatment with TRILIPIX to check for liver problems.
  • TRILIPIX can cause muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, which may be symptoms of a rare but serious muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis. In some cases rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and death. The risk of rhabdomyolysis may be higher when TRILIPIX is given with statins. If you take a statin, tell your healthcare provider.
  • Some people require blood tests to check for kidney problems while taking TRILIPIX.
  • TRILIPIX may cause inflammation (swelling) of the gallbladder or pancreas. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
  • TRILIPIX may cause serious allergic-type reactions, blood clots, and possible changes in some blood test values.
  • If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about TRILIPIX. It is not known if TRILIPIX will harm your unborn baby.
  • The most common side effects with TRILIPIX include headache, heartburn (indigestion), nausea, muscle aches, and increases in muscle or liver enzymes that are measured by blood tests.

For more information, talk with your healthcare provider.

References: 1. Cleveland Clinic. Triglycerides & heart health. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17583-triglycerides--heart-health. Accessed June 22, 2021. 2. Mayo Clinic. Triglycerides: why do they matter? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/triglycerides/art-20048186. Accessed June 22, 2021. 3. US Department of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Your Guide to Lowering Your Cholesterol With TLC. NIH publication No 06-5235. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/chol_tlc.pdf. Published December 2005. Accessed June 22, 2021. 4. Web MD website. High triglycerides: what you need to know. https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/high-triglycerides-what-you-need-to-know#1. Accessed June 22, 2021. 5. TRILIPIX [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for TRILIPIX and discuss it with your doctor.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help.
Visit AbbVie.com/myAbbVieAssist to learn more.

If you have any questions about AbbVie’s TRILIPIX.com website that have not been answered, click here. This website and the information contained herein is intended for use by US residents only, is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to replace a discussion with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider and take into consideration the unique characteristics of each patient.

Uses for TRILIPIX® (fenofibric acid) delayed-release capsules5

  • TRILIPIX should only be used when other measures, such as diet and exercise, have not been enough.
  • TRILIPIX is a prescription medicine used to treat cholesterol in the blood by lowering the total amount of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol, and increasing the HDL (good) cholesterol. You should be on a low fat and low cholesterol diet while you take TRILIPIX.
  • TRILIPIX is also used along with diet to lower severely high triglycerides. Improving blood sugar control in certain people with diabetes may prevent the need for cholesterol drug therapy.
  • TRILIPIX has not been shown to lower your risk of having heart problems or a stroke.