Fenofibrate: MedlinePlus Drug Information

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Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Fenofibrate

(fen oh fye' brate)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause?	What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Brand names

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Fenofibrate is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty substances) in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Fenofibrate comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take fenofibrate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take fenofibrate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking fenofibrate without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before taking fenofibrate,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fenofibrate or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (cholesterol-lowering agents) such as lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), and simvastatin (Zocor); cholestyramine (Questran); cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral); and vitamins or herbal products.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, gallbladder disease, or liver or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking fenofibrate, call your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow? Return to top

Eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet, which includes cottage cheese, fat-free milk, fish, vegetables, poultry, and egg whites. Use monounsaturated oils such as olive, peanut, and canola oils or polyunsaturated oils such as corn, safflower, soy, sunflower, cottonseed, and soybean oils. Avoid foods with excess fat in them such as meat (especially liver and fatty meat), egg yolks, whole milk, cream, butter, shortening, pastries, cakes, cookies, gravy, peanut butter, chocolate, olives, potato chips, coconut, cheese (other than cottage cheese), coconut oil, palm oil, and fried foods.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Fenofibrate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

gas
headache
stomach pain
upset stomach
dizziness or lightheadedness
constipation
fatigue
runny nose

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

weakness
muscle pain or tenderness
joint pain
rash
infection
flu-like symptoms

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know? Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain laboratory tests to check your response to fenofibrate.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names Return to top

Antara®
Lofibra®

TriCor®
Triglide®

Last Reviewed - 09/01/2008

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

AHFS^® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2009. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.