Fenofibrate

What is Fenofibrate?

Tricor (fenofibrate tablets) is a lipid regulating agent. It reduces cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).

What is Fenofibrate used for?

Tricor is used to treat elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body.

How does Fenofibrate work?

Tricor works by making the liver produce less triglycerides. It also aids in removing triglycerides from the body.

How to use Fenofibrate

Tricor should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

While using Tricor, get your blood tested on a regular basis.

Fenofibrate warnings and precautions

Avoid drinking alcohol while using Tricor as it can increase triglyceride levels and may also damage your liver. Prior to taking Tricor, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver or gallbladder disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, hepatitis or cirrhosis of liver or gallbladder disease.    

If you take cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid) take these medicines at least an hour after taking Tricor or keep a gap of 4 to 6 hours before you take Tricor. Do not take any of these medicines with Tricor.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Fenofibrate dose?

If you have missed your Tricor dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose. Do not take an extra dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Fenofibrate overdose?

If you have taken a Tricor overdose you should seek medical attention.

Fenofibrate interactions

Before taking Tricor, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like warfarin (Coumadin), cyclosporine (Neural, Sandimmune, Gengraf) or other cholesterol reducing drugs like lovastatin (Mevacor), fluvastatin (Lescol), simvastatin (Zocor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), pravastatin (Pravachol), or cerivastatin (Baycol). Such drugs can interact with Tricor. Tell your doctor about the vitamins, herbal products and drugs that you use. Do not take any medicine without asking your doctor.

Also, do not start using a new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Fenofibrate side effects

Tricor side effects include breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat, and other allergic reactions. On eof the most serious side effects of Tricor is severe and unusual pain in muscles accompanied by fever, tenderness or weakness. If you get any of these side effects after using Tricor, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor right away.

Severe stomach pain, joint pain, indigestion, gas or bloating, nausea, vomiting and skin rash are also side effects from Tricor.