These are safe and free of systemic side effects. However, gastrointestinal side effects are common, and compliance is poor. The average LDL decreases by approximately 15 per cent to 30 per cent, HDL rises by 3 per cent to 5 per cent and TG levels shown no change or may rise. These agents maybe of particular benefit in patients with minor elevation LDL-C, for young patients, for women considering pregnancy, and in combination with a statin in those with very high LDL-C. In a pregnant patient, additional supplementation of iron and folate may be necessary because resins used over the long term can interfere with their absorption.