[Adverse effects of drugs on serum lipids. Clinical implications]

High blood cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Guidelines for the detection and treatment of patients with hypercholesterolaemia have been developed in the United States and in Europe. The causes of secondary hyperlipidaemia are generally well known, but not always diagnosed. A wide variety of drugs cause secondary hyperlipidaemia but the incidence of this event is infrequently recognised. This article focuses on those drugs that are known to have an adverse effect on the serum lipid profile and the clinical significance of this effect.