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Bezafibrate is prescribed for the treatment of high blood cholesterol when dietary measures have proven ineffective. The medication lowers lipid (fat) levels in the blood and is particularly effective when the levels of HDL-cholesterol - often termed "good" cholesterol because it tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body - is low, and triglycerides - a type of fat that is normally present in the blood, and of which high levels are linked to heart disease and atherosclerosis - are raised. Bezafibrate improves markers of combined hyperlipidemia, effectively reducing LDL and triglycerides and improving HDL levels. The main effect on cardiovascular morbidity is in patients with the metabolic syndrome, the features of which are attenuated by bezafibrate. Studies show that in patients with impaired glucose tolerance, Bezafibrate may delay progress to diabetes, and in those with insulin resistance it slowed progress in the HOMA severity marker. In addition, a prospective observational study of dyslipidemic patients with diabetes or hyperglycemia showed that bezafibrate significantly reduces haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) concentration as a function of baseline HbA1c levels, regardless of concurrent use of antidiabetic drugs Drug interactions Warfarin: Possible increased warfarin toxicity Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Possible liver damage Antidiabetic drugs: Possible increased blood sugar lowering effect Statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs:Possible muscle damage Orlistat: Manufacturer advises against concomitant use Cholestyramine: Should be taken at least 2 hours apart from bezafibrate Phenytoin: Possible increased phenytoin toxicity Disease interactions : Consult your doctor before using this drug if you have severe kidney or liver disease, an overactive thyroid gland, gallstones or a gall bladder disorder, a stomach ulcer, or if you have heart disease. Overdose action : A small overdose is no cause for concern. In case of intentional large overdose, seek emergency medical attention.
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