Fenofibrate is a drug to lower blood levels of triglycerides, bad cholesterol (LDL), and increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL), in the blood. Fenofibrate is also sometimes used to lower the risk of developing pancreatitis in someone who has high triglyceride levels.
Fenofibrate belongs to the class of fibrates. This drug works by increasing the breakdown and removal of triglycerides and bad cholesterol from the body. To increase its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels, this drug should be combined with a low-fat diet and exercise.
Fenofibrate trademark: Evothyl, Fenofibrate, Fenoflex, Fenolip, Fenopi, Fenosup Lidose, Fibesco, Fibramed 300, Hicholfen, Hyperchol, Lipanthyl, Profibrat 200 M, Trolip, Yosenob 300
What is Fenofibrate
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Fibrates cholesterol-lowering drugs |
| Benefit | Reduce triglyceride levels inside the body |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Fenofibrate for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether fenofibrate is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules, caplets |
Precautions Before Taking Fenofibrate
Fenofibrate should not be used carelessly. Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not take fenofibrate if you are allergic to this drug or to other fibrates, such as gemfibrozil.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from gallstones, liver disease, rhabdomyolysis, kidney disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, or alcoholism.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after taking fenofibrate.
Dosage and Use of Fenofibrate
Fenofibrate will be given by the doctor according to the patient's condition. The following are general doses of fenofibrate used to treat high cholesterol and high triglycerides, which are adapted to the dosage form of the drug:
- Fenofibrate capsules: 150 mg, once daily
- Fenofibrate tablets: 120–160 mg, once daily
Method Taking Fenofibrate Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the fenofibrate package before starting to take it. Do not increase or decrease your dose or stop taking fenofibrate without consulting your doctor first.
During treatment with fenofibrate, follow the doctor's advice regarding a low-fat diet or exercise activity. It is necessary to increase the effectiveness of the drug. Don't forget to keep checking according to the schedule given by the doctor, so that the condition and response to therapy are monitored.
Do not split, chew, or crush the medicine. Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Try to take fenofibrate at the same time every day, for maximum treatment results.
If you forget to take fenofibrate, take it as soon as you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
If you are taking other cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as cholestyramine, take fenofibrate 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after taking this medication.
Store fenofibrate in a dry place and avoid direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Fenofibrate Interaction with Other Drugs
The following are a number of interactions that can occur when taking fenofibrate along with other drugs:
- Decreased absorption of fenofibrate if taken at the same time as cholestyramine
- Increased risk of kidney damage if taken with ciclosporin
- Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis or myopathy if taken with simvastatin, colchicine, or other fibrates
- Increased risk of bleeding if taken with anticoagulants, such as warfarin
- Increased risk of side effects such as gallbladder damage when used with ezetimibe
Fenofibrate Side Effects and Dangers
The following are side effects that may occur after taking fenofibrate:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Stomach acid disease
- Back pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Fever
- Muscle pain or muscle weakness
- Upper right abdominal pain that is getting worse
- Hard to breathe
- Jaundice
- Dark urine