Combination therapy with statin and fibrate in patients with dyslipidemia associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION: People with insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome (IR/MS) and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have increased rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) even when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are at or near target levels. Contributors to this problem are the high triglyceride (TG) levels and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) that are commonly present in this population, even with statin therapy. AREAS COVERED: This review focuses on the use of a combination of statins with fibrates, which lower TG and raise HDLC concentrations and, therefore, have the potential to further lower rates of CVD more in people with IR/MS and/or T2DM. Treatment with this combination is uncommon because doctors and patients are fearful of muscle, liver and renal complications and because the evidence that the combination will actually reduce risk has been lacking. In this review, the authors examine the efficacy and safety of the statin-fibrate combination, particularly fenofibrate and simvastatin, the combination used in the ACCORD trial. EXPERT OPINION: The authors' opinion is that this combination of fenofibrate and statin is as safe as either drug alone and, in patients with significant dyslipidemia, is likely to reduce CVD. Concerns remain concerning fenofibrate-associated increases in serum creatinine levels and the significant heterogeneity in the reduction in CVD by the combination in women. A trial of statin + fenofibrate in people with IR/MS and/or T2DM who also have significant dyslipidemia is needed.