Fenofibrate (By mouth)

Introduction:

Fenofibrate (fen-oh-FYE-brate)

Used together with diet to lower fat and harmful cholesterol levels.

Brand Name(s):

Tricor, Antara, Triglide, Lofibra, Lipofen, Fenoglide, Fenofibrate Micronized

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fenofibrate, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or gallbladder disease.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food.
  • Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. Your doctor may want you to exercise and to control your weight as part of your treatment.
  • Do not take Triglide? tablets that are chipped or broken.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Keep Triglide? tablets in their original bottle at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. The bottle contains a small packet that keeps the tablets from getting damp.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using hormone replacement therapy, cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or a diuretic ("water pill") such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Tell your doctor if you use a beta-blocker such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Inderal®, or Toprol®. Make sure your doctor knows if you use other medicine to lower cholesterol (such as Lipitor®, Mevacor®, Pravachol®, Zocor®).
  • Tell your doctor if you also use cholestyramine (Questran®), colestipol (Colestid®), or colesevelam (Welchol®). You must take your fenofibrate at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking any of these other medicines.
  • It is best to avoid drinking a lot of alcohol when you are being treated for high levels of fat in your blood.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, thyroid problems, or a history of gallstones.
  • This medicine is only part of a complete program for lowering your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. You will be more successful in treating this problem if you follow all of your doctor's instructions, including eating a low-fat diet and exercising regularly.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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.
  • Changes in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat.
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite.
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Back pain, headache.
  • Depression, trouble sleeping.
  • Mild nausea, gas, diarrhea, or stomach upset.
  • Mild skin rash or itching.
  • Muscle or joint pain.
  • Problems with vision.
  • Runny nose, sore throat.
  • Warmth or redness in your face or chest.
  • Weight changes.
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