Fenofibrate, Oral Tablet

Serious liver damage warning: Fenofibrate can cause serious liver damage. This can occur within the first few weeks of treatment or after several months of treatment. It can require a liver transplant and may be life threatening. Symptoms of liver damage include dark urine, an upset stomach or stomach pain, muscle pain, feeling tired, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Severe allergic reaction warning: Fenofibrate can cause severe allergic reactions. These can include anaphylaxis and angioedema (swelling), and can be life threatening. Some reactions can occur days or weeks after starting this drug. Among the possible reactions are Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, an issue that is called DRESS. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you have a rash, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing.

Severe muscle problems warning: This medication can cause severe muscle problems, including myopathy, which can cause muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Myopathy can also lead to rhabdomyolysis. This condition causes muscle to break down, and it can cause kidney damage and even death. If you notice unusual pain or weakness in your muscles, call your doctor right away, especially if you feel more tired than usual or have a fever. Your doctor may decide to stop your treatment with this medication. Call your doctor right away if muscle problems last after you have stopped taking this drug.

Fenofibrate is a prescription drug. It comes in two forms: oral tablet and oral capsule.

The oral tablet is available as the brand-name drugs Fenoglide, Tricor, and Triglide. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name drug.

Fenofibrate may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other cholesterol drugs, such as statins.

Why it’s used

Fenofibrate is used to improve cholesterol levels in three types of cholesterol problems:

• Mixed dyslipidemia: high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, and low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol
• Severe hypertriglyceridemia: very high levels of triglycerides
• Primary hypercholesterolemia: very high levels of LDL cholesterol

Fenofibrate helps lower high levels of harmful cholesterol, mainly triglycerides. It also helps increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

How it works

Fenofibrate belongs to a class of drugs called fibric acid derivatives. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Fenofibrate works by increasing the breakdown and removal of bad cholesterol from your body. This helps reduce the risk of cholesterol building up in your blood vessels and causing serious health problems, such as heart attack or stroke.

Fenofibrate oral tablet can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking fenofibrate. This list does not include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of fenofibrate, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

More common side effects

The more common side effects that can occur with use of fenofibrate include:

• headache
• back pain
• nausea
• indigestion
• stuffy or runny nose
• stomach pain

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Liver problems. Symptoms can include:
  • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
  • dark-colored urine
  • pain in the abdomen (stomach area)
  • decreased appetite
  • unexplained or unusual weakness
• Severe allergic reactions. Symptoms can include:
  • swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • trouble breathing or swallowing
  • rash
  • peeling or blistering skin

Fenofibrate oral tablet can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.

Below is a list of medications that can interact with fenofibrate. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with fenofibrate.

Before taking fenofibrate, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Blood-thinning drug

Warfarin is a drug that’s used to thin the blood. Taking it with fenofibrate raises your risk of bleeding. If you take these drugs together, your doctor may do blood tests more often or change your dosage of warfarin.

Cholesterol drugs

Taking fenofibrate with certain cholesterol drugs called bile acid sequestrants may make it harder for your body to absorb fenofibrate. To prevent this, you should take fenofibrate 1 hour before taking the bile acid sequestrant, or 4–6 hours after taking it. Examples of bile acid sequestrants include:

• cholestyramine
• colesevelam
• colestipol

Also, taking fenofibrate with cholesterol drugs called statins raises your risk of rhabdomyolysis. This is a serious condition that breaks down muscle. Examples of statin drugs include:

• atorvastatin
• fluvastatin
• lovastatin
• pitavastatin
• pravastatin
• rosuvastatin
• simvastatin

Diabetes drugs

Taking fenofibrate with certain diabetes drugs called sulfonylureas raises your risk of low blood sugar. Examples of these drugs include:

• glimepiride
• glipizide
• glyburide

Gout drug

Colchicine is a drug used to treat gout. Taking it with fenofibrate raises your risk of muscle pain.

Immunosuppressants

Taking fenofibrate with certain drugs that suppress your body’s immune response can increase the level of fenofibrate in your body. This raises your risk of side effects from fenofibrate. Examples of these drugs include:

• cyclosporine
• tacrolimus

The fenofibrate dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re using fenofibrate to treat
• your age
• the form of fenofibrate you take
• other medical conditions you may have

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the dosage that’s right for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Generic: Fenofibrate

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 40 mg, 48 mg, 54 mg, 107 mg, 120 mg, 145 mg, 160 mg

Brand: Fenoglide

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 40 mg, 120 mg

Brand: Tricor

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 48 mg, 145 mg

Brand: Triglide

• Form: oral tablet
• Strength: 160 mg

Dosage for primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

Brand-name drugs

• Fenoglide: 120 mg per day.
• Tricor: 145 mg per day.
• Triglide: 160 mg per day.

Generic drug

• Fenofibrate: 120–160 mg per day, depending on the generic product prescribed.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This medication has not been studied in children. It should not be used in people younger than 18 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs, including fenofibrate, more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Dosage for severe hypertriglyceridemia

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

Brand-name drugs:

• Fenoglide: 40–120 mg per day.
• Tricor: 48–145 mg per day.
• Triglide: 160 mg per day.

Generic drug

• Fenofibrate: 40–120 mg per day or 48–160 mg per day, depending on the generic product prescribed.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This medication has not been studied in children. It should not be used in people younger than 18 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs, including fenofibrate, more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Special dosage considerations

For people with kidney disease: If you have mild kidney disease, you may need a lower dose of fenofibrate.

This drug comes with several warnings.

Muscle pain warning

This drug raises your risk of muscle pain and a serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis. The risk is higher if you take the drug along with statins.

Liver damage warning

Fenofibrate can cause abnormal results in tests of liver function. These abnormal results can indicate liver damage. This drug can also cause other liver damage and inflammation after years of use.

Gallstones warning

Fenofibrate raises your risk of gallstones.

Pancreatitis warning

Fenofibrate raises your risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

Severe allergic reaction warning

Fenofibrate can cause severe allergic reactions. These can include anaphylaxis and angioedema (swelling), and can be life-threatening. Some reactions can occur days or weeks after starting this drug. These include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. This last type of reaction is often called DRESS.

Symptoms of a severe reaction can include:

• rash, especially if it appears suddenly
• peeling or blistering skin
• nausea and vomiting
• trouble breathing
• itching
• hives

If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with liver disease: Fenofibrate can cause liver problems, which could lead to liver failure. Let your doctor know if you have a history of liver disease. Your doctor can tell you if fenofibrate is safe for you. If you have active liver disease, you should not take fenofibrate.

For people with kidney disease: Fenofibrate may cause abnormal results from tests of kidney function. These changes are typically temporary and not harmful. To be safe, your doctor may monitor your kidney function more often. If you have severe kidney disease, you should not take fenofibrate.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant women: There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to show if fenofibrate poses a risk to a human fetus. Research in animals has shown a risk to the fetus when the mother takes the drug. However, animal studies don’t always predict the way humans would respond.

Talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

If you become pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

For women who are breastfeeding: Fenofibrate may pass into breast milk and cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

Fenofibrate oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. It comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: Your cholesterol levels may not be controlled. This raises your risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

• headache
• back pain
• nausea
• muscle pain
• diarrhea
• common cold
• upper respiratory tract infection

If you think you’ve taken too much of the drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects.

How to tell if the drug is working: Your cholesterol levels should improve. You won’t feel fenofibrate working, but your doctor will check your cholesterol levels using blood tests. Your doctor may adjust your dosage based on the results of these tests.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes fenofibrate for you.

General

• Fenofibrate tablets should be taken with food. This can help increase the amount of drug your body absorbs.
• Take this drug at the time(s) recommended by your doctor.
• Don’t cut or crush the tablets.

Storage

• Store Fenoglide and Tricor tablets at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
• Store generic fenofibrate tablets and Triglide tablets between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
• Don’t store these medications in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.
• Keep Triglide in its moisture-protective container until you’re ready to take it.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

• Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
• Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t harm your medication.
• You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
• Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

Your doctor will monitor your health during your treatment with this drug. They’ll do blood tests to help make sure your cholesterol levels are within the range your doctor feels is best for you. The tests will also tell if your medication is working.

Also, your doctor will likely monitor certain health issues. This can help make sure you stay safe while taking this drug. These issues include:

• Kidney function. Blood tests can check how well your kidneys are working. If your kidneys aren’t working well, your doctor may lower your dosage of this drug.
• Liver function. Blood tests can check how well your liver is working. If your tests are abnormal, it may mean that fenofibrate is causing damage to your liver. Your doctor may switch you to a different medication.
• Lipid levels. Blood tests can check how well this drug is lowering your cholesterol and triglycerides. Your doctor may change your therapy based upon these results.

Your diet

In addition to taking this drug, you should follow a heart-healthy diet to help control your cholesterol levels. Talk with your doctor about a diet plan that’s right for you.

Availability

Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it.

Prior authorization

Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.