Q: I am a 40 years old man and have been taking Lipicard 160 mg for the last 2 years for high cholesterol levels. The lab report revealed uric acid - 8.8 mg/dl, cholesterol - 220 mg/dl, triglyceride - 406 mg/dl, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol – 39 mg/dl and low density lipoprotein (LDL) - 123 mg/dl around 2 years back. The latest report states uric acid - 7.3 mg/dl, cholesterol - 243 mg/dl, triglyceride - 200 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol - 36mg/dl, LDL - 167 mg/dl, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) - 40 mg. My blood pressure was 130/100 mmHg and now it is 120/90 mmHg. I am taking half Covance 25 mg for high BP. Can I take Omega 3 to reduce my cholesterol levels and what are the side effects of Lipicard?

A:The basic problem in your case is high level of triglycerides (which have now come down); hence Lipicard (fenofibrate) is the rational therapy. In addition you can certainly take Omega 5 fatty acids (sold as Maxepa), one capsule daily with food, which will further help reduce triglycerides. Like most other medicines, Lipicard has side effects but the advantages in patients with high glycerides are more compared to disadvantages.