• Basic Info
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What is clofibrate?
Clofibrate is used to lower high levels of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the blood. Clofibrate is especially good at lowering triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (a form of cholesterol). Clofibrate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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What are the possible side effects of clofibrate?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking clofibrate and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• chest pain or an irregular heart beat;

• severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting;

• fever and chills, a sore throat, or a flu-like feeling;

• blood in your urine or a decrease in urination;

• swelling of your ankles or legs;

• muscle cramps, muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle pain;

• joint pain; or

• sudden weight gain.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take clofibrate and talk to your doctor if you experience

• bloating or flatulence;

• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

• headache;

• dizziness or drowsiness; or

• impotence.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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How should I take clofibrate?
Take clofibrate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Clofibrate can be taken with food to lessen stomach upset. Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules. Swallow them whole. Clofibrate is usually taken several times a day. Follow the directions your doctor has given to you. Store clofibrate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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What is the most important information I should know about clofibrate?
Follow any diet or exercise plan outlined by your doctor. Diet and exercise are very important factors in controlling cholesterol. Call your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, fever and chills, a sore throat, a flulike feeling, blood in your urine, a decrease in urination, muscle cramps, muscle pain, muscle weakness, painful joints, swelling in your ankles or legs, or sudden weight gain. These could be early signs of serious side effects.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

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What other drugs will affect clofibrate?
Clofibrate may increase the effects of the following drugs, which could lead to dangerous side effects: anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin); and insulin or oral medications used to treat diabetes such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), tolbutamide (Orinase) or tolazamide (Tolinase). Clofibrate is generally not recommended for use with other cholesterol-lowering drugs such as lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), atorvastatin (Lipitor), and gemfibrozil (Lopid). A serious reaction involving the muscles and kidneys may occur if these drugs are taken together and can result in death.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Clofibrate has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted, although animal data does suggest placental transfer. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Clofibrate is considered contraindicated during pregnancy.

Animal data suggest that clofibrate crosses the placenta and is measurable, but similar data in humans is not available. No reports of congenital malformations are available. The glucuronide metabolic system is responsible for metabolism of clofibrate, and because this system is immature in the newborn, the risk for accumulation is present. Therefore, the use of clofibrate at or near term is not recommended. The manufacturer considers the use of clofibrate contraindicated at any time during pregnancy. Reliable birth control measures should be used in women of childbearing potential. Withdrawal of clofibrate several months before conception should be considered.

The active metabolite of clofibrate (clofibric acid) is excreted into human milk. The manufacturer considers clofibrate contraindicated during breast-feeding.

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What does my medication look like?
Clofibrate is available with a prescription under the brand name Atromid-S. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. Atromid-S 500 mg--red, hard-gelatin capsules

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call a poison control center near you.

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Who should not take clofibrate?
Do not take clofibrate if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or biliary cirrhosis. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), diabetes, or an ulcer in your stomach or intestines. You may not be able to take clofibrate, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Clofibrate may be passed into the system of an unborn baby. Clofibrate can build up dangerously in unborn babies, who do not yet have the ability to break down and pass this drug from the body. Do not take clofibrate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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