Tricor

The active ingredient in Tricor is fenofibrate, which belongs to a group of drugs known as fibrates. It activates an enzyme in the body called lipoprotein lipase. It functions by dissolving the lipids (fatty substances) in your blood, including triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL-C). This helps blood flow freely to various parts of your body and reduces the number of lipids that can block your arteries.

Moreover, fenofibrate increases your body's production of HDL, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), the "good" cholesterol. A higher HDL level can reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Tricor. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Tricor:

• You can take Tricor with or without food. Observe the instructions on the label of your medication.
• Avoid crushing, chewing, dissolving, or opening the pill or capsule; instead, swallow it whole.
• You should have regular medical examinations. Tests can help your doctor decide whether Tricor is working, even if you don't have any symptoms.
• Tricor is but one component of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include weight management, exercise, diet, and other drugs. Pay strict attention to your exercise, medicine, and food regimens.

The most common side effects of Tricor seen in clinical trials include:

• Stomach pain.
• Lung problems.
• Liver damage.
• Constipation.
• Headaches.
• Muscle pain.
• Back pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Tricor. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• An itchy throat, fever, exhaustion, rash, hives, painful blisters, skin reddening, skin peeling, and enlarged lymph nodes are examples of severe hypersensitivity or allergic reactions.
• Liver problems: stomach pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, and disorientation.
• Severe muscle pain: fatigue, fever, dark (red or brown) colored urine, weakness, cramps, muscle soreness.
• Chest pain, breathing difficulties, leg swelling or warmth, and tenderness to the touch are all signs of blood clots in the lungs or legs.
• Fenofibrate increases cholesterol excretion into the bile, leading to a risk of cholelithiasis; perform gallstone studies if cholelithiasis is suspected.
• Pancreatitis: sudden stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or fluid buildup in your stomach area.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Tricor. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Tricor, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Severe kidney disease or if you are on dialysis.
• Increases serum creatinine levels; therefore, consider monitoring renal function in patients at risk for renal impairment.
• Liver disease.
• Gallbladder disease.
• Kidney failure may result from the breakdown of muscle tissue brought on by fenofibrate. Women, older adults, and those with kidney illness, diabetes, or poorly managed hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) are more likely to experience this.
• Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.
• Fibrates increase the risk for myopathy and have been associated with rhabdomyolysis. The risk for serious muscle toxicity appears to be increased in elderly patients and patients with diabetes.

• Severe renal impairment or dialysis.
• Serious liver function problems.
• Gallbladder illness.
• Breastfeeding mothers.

Once within the body, fenofibrate is rapidly absorbed and transformed into fenofibric acid, the active component. Levels stabilize in around a week. The effects on triglyceride and cholesterol levels might not show up for a few weeks.

When Tricor is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Colchicine.
• Colestipol.
• Cholestyramine.
• Fluvastatin.
• Lovastatin.
• Simvastatin.
• Atorvastatin.
• Pravastatin.
• Any anticoagulants.

The condition for which you are taking Tricor determines your dosage. If you have renal issues, your dosage may change.

The usual dosage for Tricor (fenofibrate) is 48 mg to 145 mg by mouth once per day.

Store Tricor at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Abbvie is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Tricor.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available.

It is advised to speak to your healthcare provider before stopping the medication, as it could make your condition worse.

It is not known if Tricor is safe to take while pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

While taking this medication and for at least five days following your final dose, avoid if you are a nursing mother.