Fenofibrate (By mouth)

fen-oh-FYE-brate

Lowers high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Drug classes

Antihyperlipidemic (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Fenofibrate is used together with a proper diet to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride (fat-like substances) levels in the blood. This may help prevent the development of pancreatitis (inflammation or swelling of the pancreas) caused by high levels of triglycerides in the blood.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Capsule, Tablet

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

Take Fenoglide®, Lipofen®, or Tricor® with a meal. Antara® and Triglide® can be taken with or without a meal.

Swallow Antara® capsules, Triglide® tablets, or Tricor® tablets whole. Do not open, crush, break, chew, or dissolve them.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how fenofibrate works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

Colchicine Cyclosporine Tacrolimus A blood thinner (such as warfarin) A statin medicine to lower cholesterol, such as atorvastatin, pravastatin, or simvastatin

If you are also using cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol, you must take fenofibrate at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after you take these medicines.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to fenofibrate or fenofibric acid, or you are breastfeeding. Do not use it if you receive kidney dialysis or have active liver disease or gallbladder disease.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, blood clotting problems, diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid problems.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (serious muscle problems) Pancreatitis Increased risk of gallstones

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood

Dark urine or pale stools, yellow skin or eyes

Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness

Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, Lofibra, Tricor, Triglide

There may be other brand names for this medicine.