What is Fenofibrate?
Fenofibrate is a medication that is taken as part of a cholesterol-lowering diet to reduce cholesterol levels as well as excessive triglyceride (fatty acid) levels in the blood. It does this by enhancing the breakdown and elimination of triglycerides in the blood. The impact of fenofibrate on the progression of cardiovascular diseases and their symptoms, as well as cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular deaths, has yet to be established.
Warnings
It is best not to take fenofibrate when you suffer from an illness of the liver, gallbladder disease, or kidney disease that is severe, or if you breastfeed babies.
Fenofibrate is known to cause the deterioration of muscle tissue, which may cause renal failure. Consult your physician right away when you experience unprovoked muscular pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially in the event that you are also suffering from fatigue, fever, or dark urine.
Before you take this drug
It is best not to take fenofibrate in case you have an allergy to this substance or are suffering from:
- Severely kidney-related disease (or if you're taking dialysis);
- Liver disease or
- Gallbladder disease.
Do not breastfeed when taking this medication, and at least 5 days follow the last dose.
To ensure that this medication is appropriate for you, tell your physician if you've had any of the following:
- Kidney disease;
- Liver disease liver disease
- Gallbladder issues.
Fenofibrate is known to cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which could cause kidney failure. This is more frequent among women, older people, or those suffering from diabetes, kidney disease, or hypothyroidism that is poorly controlled (underactive thyroid).
It isn't known if this medication will cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.
Fenofibrate isn't permitted for use by any person less than 18 years old.
How to take Fenofibrate?
Use fenofibrate according to the prescription given by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label and study the entire medication guide or instruction sheet. Your doctor may modify your dose.
Certain brands of fenofibrate must be taken in conjunction with meals to allow your body to more efficiently absorb the medication. Other brands can be taken without or with food. Follow the directions on the medicine label.
Suck the capsule or tablet in its entirety and don't break, crush, dissolve, or even open it.
There is a chance that you will require frequent medical tests. Even if there are no symptoms, tests may help your doctor determine whether the medication is effective.
Fenofibrate can be one component of a full treatment plan that could include exercise, diet, weight management, and other drugs. Be sure to follow your diet, medications, and exercise regimens closely.
Keep at room temperature, far from heat, humidity, and light.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose of Fenofibrate for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa (Elevated LDL):
Tricor: 145 mg taken orally every day, once.
Lofibra and the rest Other: 160 mg–200 mg daily in conjunction with food.
Antara 130 mg is taken in a single dose taken orally every day.
The Triglide drug is a 160-mg dose, taken orally every day, once.
The dosage of Lipofen is 150mg, orally daily, along with food.
Fenoglide 120 mg, orally every day, along with food
Usual Adult Dose for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIb (Elevated LDL and VLDL):
Tricor: 145mg taken orally daily, taken once.
Lofibra and the rest Lofibra and others: 160 mg to 200 mg taken orally every day along with food.
Antara 130 mg is taken in a single dose taken orally every day.
Triglide: 160mg, orally daily
100 mg of lipofen is taken orally daily along with food.
Fenoglide 120 mg is taken orally every day in conjunction with food.
Usual Adult Dose of Fenofibrate for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IV (Elevated VLDL):
Tricor: 48–145 mg taken orally every day.
Lofibra and other: between 54 and 200 mg once a day, with food.
Antara: Between 43 and 130 mg taken orally every day.
Triglide 50mg up to 160 mg once a day.
Lipofen 50mg up to 150 mg once a day, with food
Fenoglide: 40 mg up to 120 mg once a day along with food.
Usual Adult Dose for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type V (Elevated Chylomicrons and VLDL):
Tricor: 48–145 mg taken orally every day.
Lofibra and the rest Other: between 54 and 200 mg taken orally every day, with food.
Antara Antiara: 130 mg, taken orally every day.
Triglide, 50mg up to 160 mg, is taken orally every day.
Lipofen 50mg up to 150 mg once a day, with food
Fenoglide: from 40 mg to 120 mg, taken orally every day with food.
Usual Geriatric Dose of Fenofibrate for Hyperlipoproteinemia:
The Tricor dose is 48 mg, orally daily. Dosing increases should occur only after an evaluation of the effect on renal function and lipid levels at this dosage, with an upper limit of 140 mg/24 hours.
Lofibra and other: 54 mg–67 mg taken orally daily in conjunction with food. The dosage should be adjusted according to the patient's reaction and adjusted as necessary after a second lipid test at 4–8-week intervals.
Antara is 43 milligrams taken orally daily. The dosage should be adjusted according to the patient's reaction and adjusted if needed after a second lipid test at 4–8-week intervals.
Triglide: 50mg taken orally daily. The dosage should be adjusted according to the patient's reaction and adjusted if needed following lipid tests that are repeated every 4–8 weeks at intervals.
Liposen 50 mg is taken orally every day, in conjunction with food. The dosage should be adjusted according to the patient's response and adjusted as needed after repeat lipid tests between 4 and 8-week intervals.
Fenoglide: 40 mg up to 120 mg once a day, with food
What happens if I miss a dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, do not take any missed doses if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Do not eat foods that have high levels of cholesterol or fat; otherwise, fenofibrate won't be as effective.
Do not drink alcohol. It could raise triglyceride levels and increase the risk of damage to your liver.
Side effects of Fenofibrate
Contact emergency medical assistance. If you are experiencing symptoms, you are experiencing an allergic reaction (hives, breathing problems, or swelling in your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever and sore throat, burning eyes, pain in your skin, and a red or purple skin eruption that causes peeling and blistering).
In rare instances, there is a risk that fenofibrate could cause an issue that leads to the destruction of skeletal muscle tissue, resulting in kidney failure. Contact your physician immediately when you experience unidentified muscle tenderness, pain, or weakness, particularly when you experience fatigue, fever, or dark urine.
Contact your doctor at the earliest opportunity if you are suffering from:
- Sharp stomach pain that spreads into your shoulder or back blade
- Inability to eat or stomach pain after eating;
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
- Affliction, chills, and fever and weakness; tongue sores; sore throats bleeding or bruising that is unusual;
- Chest pain or rapid cough, wheezing or rapid breathing, or coughing up blood or
- Swelling or warmth in the leg or arm.
Common side effects of fenofibrate include:
- Runny nose, sneezing, or
- Unusual laboratory tests.
This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Certain medications can reduce the effectiveness of fenofibrate when used in conjunction. If you are taking any of the following medications, then take your dose 1 hour prior or up to 4 hours after having taken another medicine.
- Cholestyramine;
- Colesevelam; or
- Colestipol.
Discuss with your doctor all other medicines you take, particularly:
- Other medicines to lower cholesterol;
- Colchicine;
- A blood thinner like warfarin, Coumadin, or Jantoven; or
- Medications that reduce the strength of your immune system, such as cancer medicines and steroids. They also have medications to prevent organ donation
This list isn't complete. Other drugs can interact with the fenofibrate molecule, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and products made from herbs. There are many possible interactions between drugs, which are included here.
