Fenofibrate

Generic Name: fenofibrate (FEN oh FYE brate)
Brand Names: Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, Lofibra, TriCor, Triglide, Lipidil Micro, Dom-Fenofibrate, Lipidil Supra, Lipidil EZ

What is fenofibrate?

Fenofibrate helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (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 cholesterol and high triglyceride levels.

Fenofibrate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

You should not use fenofibrate if you are allergic to it, or if you have liver disease, gallbladder disease, severe kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis.

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Do not take fenofibrate if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use fenofibrate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

liver disease;

severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

gallbladder disease; or

if you are breast-feeding a baby.

To make sure fenofibrate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease;

diabetes;

heart disease;

a thyroid disorder; or

a history of pancreatitis or liver disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fenofibrate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

Fenofibrate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

How should I take fenofibrate?

Take fenofibrate exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Some brands of fenofibrate should be taken with meals to help your body better absorb the medicine. Other brands may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your medicine label.

Use fenofibrate regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Do not crush, break, or dissolve a fenofibrate capsule or tablet. Swallow it whole.

If you also take cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol: these other medicines should be taken at least 1 hour after or 4 hours before you take fenofibrate.

Fenofibrate is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

While using fenofibrate, you may need frequent blood tests. Your liver and gallbladder function may also need to be checked.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.

See also: Dosage Information (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid?

If you also take cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol: Wait 4 to 6 hours after taking any of these other medicines before you take fenofibrate. Avoid taking fenofibrate within 1 hour before taking the other medicine.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking fenofibrate.

Fenofibrate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to fenofibrate: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, fenofibrate can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Stop using fenofibrate and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;

easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or

pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.

Common fenofibrate side effects may include:

mild stomach pain;

back pain;

headache; or

runny or stuffy nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

Fenofibrate dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Fenofibrate for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa (Elevated LDL):

Tricor (R): 145 mg orally once a day.

Lofibra (R) and others: 160 mg to 200 mg orally once a day with food.

Antara (R): 130 mg orally once a day.

Triglide (R): 160 mg orally once a day.

Lipofen (R): 150 mg orally once a day with food.

Fenoglide (R): 120 mg orally once a day with food.

Individualize dosage according to patient response and adjust if necessary following repeat lipid determinations at 4 to 8 week intervals.

Usual Adult Dose for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIb (Elevated LDL + VLDL):

Tricor (R): 145 mg orally once a day.

Lofibra (R) and others: 160 mg to 200 mg orally once a day with food.

Antara (R): 130 mg orally once a day.

Triglide (R): 160 mg orally once a day.

Lipofen (R): 150 mg orally once a day with food.

Fenoglide (R): 120 mg orally once a day with food.

Individualize dosage according to patient response and adjust if necessary following repeat lipid determinations at 4 to 8 week intervals.

Usual Adult Dose of Fenofibrate for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IV (Elevated VLDL):

Tricor (R): 48 to 145 mg orally once a day.

Lofibra (R) and others: 54 mg to 200 mg orally once a day with food.

Antara (R): 43 mg to 130 mg orally once a day.

Triglide (R): 50 mg to 160 mg orally once a day.

Lipofen (R): 50 mg to 150 mg orally once a day with food.

Fenoglide (R): 40 mg to 120 mg orally once a day with food.

Individualize dosage according to patient response and adjust if necessary following repeat lipid determinations at 4 to 8 week intervals.