fenofibrate

Brand name(s):

Antara, Lipofen, Lofibra, TriCor, Triglide

What is the most important information I should know about fenofibrate?

Fenofibrate is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking fenofibrate. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking fenofibrate. Fenofibrate has been associated with a rare but serious side effect of the muscles. Contact your doctor at once if you have unusual muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if accompanied by fever or flu-like feeling.

What is fenofibrate?

Fenofibrate helps reduce cholesterol and triclygerides (fatty acids) in the blood. High levels of these types of fat in the blood are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).

Fenofibrate is used to treat high cholsterol and high triglyceride levels.

Fenofibrate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fenofibrate?

You should not use fenofibrate if you have:

Before using fenofibrate, tell your doctor if you have:

liver disease;
kidney disease;
gallbladder disease;
hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland); or
diabetes.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use fenofibrate, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Fenofibrate should not be used by nursing mothers. Do not take fenofibrate without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take fenofibrate?

Take fenofibrate exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Fenofibrate should be taken with meals to help your body better absorb the medicine.

Do not take a fenofibrate tablet that has been accidentally broken. The medicine from a crushed or broken tablet can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If you must handle a broken tablet, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of the tablet.

It is important to take fenofibrate regularly to get the most benefit.

If you also take cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), take these medicines at least 1 hour after taking fenofibrate, or 4 to 6 hours before taking fenofibrate. Do not take either of these medicines at the same time you take fenofibrate.

Fenofibrate is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver and gallbladder function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store fenofibrate at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the pills in their original container, along with any moisture-absorbing preservative packet that comes with this medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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