To lower my high triglyceride level, my doctor wants to add fenofibrate (TriCor and generic) to the statin drug I already take. Is that safe? —P.S., Chantilly, Va.

Yes, with a few caveats. Fenofibrate and related drugs are effective at reducing high blood levels of triglycerides, a type of fat that, when elevated, can harm the pancreas and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Combining fenofibrate with a cholesterol-lowering statin increases that effectiveness. But since both drugs can affect the liver, you should undergo liver-enzyme tests before and soon after therapy starts and periodically afterward, as well as continue to watch for potentially serious statin side effects, such as muscle aches.