The use of gemfibrozil in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia to successfully manage retinoid-induced hypertriglyceridemia

Abstract

Systemic retinoids are used in the management of chronic cutaneous conditions and life-threatening dermatoses. Unfortunately, drug-induced hypertriglyceridemia may necessitate either dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy. The purpose of this article is to describe the successful management of isotretinoin-induced hypertriglyceridemia with gemfibrozil in a leukemia patient. Sequential serum chemistries were performed prior to, during, and following treatment with a systemic retinoid and a lipid-regulating agent. A prompt and sustained normalization of fasting triglycerides occurred following the initiation of gemfibrozil in a patient with isotretinoin-induced hypertriglyceridemia. When retinoids are being used in the management of serious conditions, the initiation of therapy with gemfibrozil to reduce the elevated triglycerides may be appropriate in those patients with retinoid-induced hypertriglyceridemia.