Influence of Etofibrate on plasma fibrinogen and plasminogen concentrations in patients with different forms of primary hyperlipoproteinemia.

The effect of Etofibrate, a chemical compound of the two antihyperlipidemic agents Clofibrate and nicotinic acid, on elevated plasma fibrinogen and plasminogen concentrations was investigated in a 6 months' survey in 25 patients with different types of primary hyperlipidemia. A consistent reduction of fibrinogen levels to normal occurred after 6 months' therapy, whereas the effect on plasminogen concentrations was weaker and not significant. The fibrinogen-lowering effect of Etofibrate was not related to the pretreatment levels but nearly equal in all cases. The possible consequences on the hemostatic system are discussed. On account of the low daily dosage, apart from a slight flush, no side-effects were noted.