Fenofibrate (By Mouth)

Fenofibrate (fen-oh-FIB-rate)

Lowers fat and harmful cholesterol levels and increases good cholesterol levels in your blood.

Brand Name(s):

Tricor, Lofibra
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, kidney, or gallbladder disease.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take 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:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• 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 a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), cyclosporine (Sandimmune®, Neoral®), other medicine to lower cholesterol (such as Lescol®, Lipitor®, Mevacor®, Pravachol®, Zocor®).
• If you also take cholestyramine (Questran®), colestipol (Colestid®), or colesevelam (Welchol™), take your dose of fenofibrate at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after these other medicines.

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 face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness
• Yellow skin or eyes

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

• Mild upset stomach, gas
• Runny nose, sore throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.