Fibrate use during pregnancy has not been tested on humans, so it is not known for certain if fibrates impair fertility or cause harm to the fetus. Some animal studies have found that the use of certain fibrates during pregnancy increases the risk of fetal death, low birth weight and/or skeletal defects. This is why women taking fibrates should inform their physicians at once if they plan to – or believe they have – become pregnant.

A chemical component of fibrates is excreted in breast milk. These drugs, therefore, are not recommended for nursing mothers.

Clinical trials have not been conducted on the use and effectiveness of fibrates on children. Therefore, appropriate doses have not been determined for use by children, and the effectiveness of fibrates has not been compared to other cholesterol-reducing medications in children. Use is not recommended in children under age 2, because cholesterol is needed for normal body development.

Studies have shown that fibrates can benefit older adults with both coronary artery disease and low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. Fibrates have also demonstrated ability to lower triglyceride levels.