Comparison of clofibrate with halofenate in diabetics with hyperlipidaemia.

In a double-blind, randomized study which lasted 48 weeks the effects of clofibrate and halofenate were compared in maturity-onset diabetics with hyperlipidaemia. With the use of both clofibrate and halofenate serum cholesterol values were lowered only slightly. Both agents significantly reduced triglyceride values, but the decreases were modest and transient. Both drugs significantly lowered serum urate values, although the effect of halofenate was distinctly greater. Halofenate, but not clofibrate, had a considerable hypoglycaemic effect on the patients, most of whom were also receiving oral antidiabetic medicines. The drugs produced a number of clinical and biochemical adverse reactions, and in about 20% of all patients the trial had to be discontinued prematurely. The management of hyperlipidaemia in maturity-onset diabetics is briefly discussed, and it is concluded that neither clofibrate nor halofenate is to be recommended.