Tricor

Fenofibrate Drug Information

• Tricor Overview

  Fenofibrate is used along with a proper diet to help lower bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It works by increasing the natural substance (enzyme) that breaks down fats in the blood. Fenofibrate belongs to a group of drugs known as "fibrates." Lowering triglycerides in people with very high triglyceride blood levels may decrease the risk of pancreas disease (pancreatitis). However, fenofibrate might not lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of fenofibrate. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help Tricor work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.

• How to Use Tricor

  Take Tricor by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Fenofibrate comes in different types of capsules and tablets which provide different amounts of the medication. Do not switch between different forms or brands of Tricor unless directed by your doctor. Some forms of Tricor should be taken with food but others may be taken with or without food. Ask your pharmacist about your brand of fenofibrate. It is important to take Tricor correctly so that the drug has the greatest benefit. The Dosage of Tricor is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are also taking certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take fenofibrate at least 1 hour before or at least 4 to 6 hours after taking these medications. These medications can bind to fenofibrate, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug. Take Tricor regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not increase your dose or use Tricor more often or for longer than prescribed. Your cholesterol/triglycerides level will not lower faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. It is important to continue taking Tricor even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol/triglycerides do not feel sick. It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 2 months before you get the full benefit of Tricor.

• Tricor Precautions

  Before taking fenofibrate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "fibrates" (such as fenofibric acid); or if you have any other allergies. Tricor may contain inactive ingredients (such as soy), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Tricor, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease, gallbladder disease, liver disease (such as biliary cirrhosis, hepatitis), alcohol use. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, Tricor should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if Tricor passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using Tricor and for 5 days after stopping the drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Tricor Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Tricor, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Tricor Interactions

  See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval."blood thinners" (such as warfarin). Fenofibrate is very similar to fenofibric acid. Do not use medications containing fenofibric acid while using fenofibrate.

• Tricor Side Effects

  What are Tricor side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Tricor may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Tricor as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Tricor

  The side effects of Tricor may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Tricor. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Tricor may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Tricor, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Tricor.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Tricor, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Tricor and the side effects associated with Tricor are described in the following:

  Common Tricor Side Effects

  Severe

  • abnormal hepatic function tests

  Less Severe

  • Rhinitis

  Less Frequent Tricor Side Effects

  Severe

  • infection
  • pruritus of skin
  • urticaria
  • myalgias
  • skin rash
  • thrombophlebitis

  Less Severe

  • libido changes
  • ocular irritation
  • constipation
  • skin photosensitivity
  • back pain
  • dizziness
  • flu-like symptoms
  • general weakness
  • headache disorder
  • nausea
  • flatulence
  • eructation
  • Acute Abdominal Pain
  • pharyngitis
  • Upper Respiratory Infection
  • myopathy

  Rare or Very Rare Tricor Side Effects

  Severe

  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • agranulocytosis
  • venous thrombosis
  • hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  • acute renal failure
  • biliary calculus
  • cholecystitis
  • acute pancreatitis
  • Eczema
  • rhabdomyolysis
  • muscle weakness
  • myositis
  • respiration changes
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • hepatitis
  • hepatic cirrhosis
  • Anaphylaxis
  • angioedema
  • DRESS syndrome
  • pulmonary thromboembolism
  • Interstitial Lung Disease

  Less Severe

  • diarrhea
  • anemia
  • dyspepsia
  • arthralgias
  • insomnia
  • cough
  • high density lipoprotein deficiency
  • muscle spasm

• Tricor Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Different brands of Tricor have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Tricor when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.