Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

FENOFIBRATE - ORAL

(fen-oh-FIBB-rate)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tricor

Uses

This medication is used along with a non-drug program (including diet changes) to treat cholesterol and lipid disorders.

How To Use

This drug is taken by mouth with food as directed. Dosage is adjusted based on your condition and response. The maximum daily dose is 200 mg. Separate doses of this drug and any bile acid resin drug (e.g., colestipol or cholestyramine) by at least 4 hours. Full effects of this drug may take up to 3 months to occur.

Side Effects

Upset stomach, constipation, headache, dizziness or trouble sleeping may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, fever. Very unlikely but report promptly: decreased sexual drive, yellowing eyes or skin, stomach pain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, diabetes, liver and/or kidney disease, gallbladder disease, low thyroid (hypothyroidism), muscle disorders. In the U.S. - The manufacturer states this medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. In Canada - The manufacturer states this medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Women of childbearing age should use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this drug for several months before planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Use caution if the following drugs are combined with fenofibrate because serious side effects such as muscle injury (myopathy) infrequently could occur: "statins" (e.g., lovastatin, atorvastatin), high-dose niacin (1 gram or more per day). Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), cyclosporine, MAO Inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, furazolidone, tranylcypromine, phenelzine, moclobemide), certain diabetic medicine (sulfonylureas such as glipizide; and insulin), estrogens/birth control pills. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Diet changes, weight loss (if overweight), exercise and drug therapy all are critical to reduce and control your cholesterol and lipids (fats in the blood). Consult your doctor about how to lower your heart disease risk factors. Laboratory tests will be performed to monitor this drug.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.