Fenofibrate

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
		Adult

Fenofibrate - What is it for

Fenofibrate belong to the class of medications called fibrates. Fibrates work by speeding the natural processes that remove cholesterol from the body. They lower the amount of 'bad cholesterol' (low density lipoprotein or LDL-cholesterol) and 'fat' (triglyceride) as well as increase the amount of 'good cholesterol' (high density lipoprotein or HDL-cholesterol) in the blood.

High 'bad cholesterol' levels can cause your blood vessels to clog up and lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack or stroke. Hence, this medication may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Fenofibrate - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Fenofibrate cause?

Nausea
Heartburn, stomach pain
Constipation, diarrhoea
Joint pain, muscle pain, back pain
Skin rashes
Headache

Inform your healthcare professional of these side-effects do not go away and interfere with your daily life.

Very rarely, fenofibrate may cause muscle or liver problems. These symptoms may include one or more of the following:

Breakdown of muscles - unexplained, severe muscle pain that does not go away, muscle weakness/ cramps all over your body or dark tea-coloured urine.
Liver injury - dark coloured urine, light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellowing of skin or eyes.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If your experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Fenofibrate , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare processional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
You are allergic to any other fibrates, or to any other medications.
You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
You have liver, kidney or gallbladder problems.
You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
You have an underactive thyroid gland.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Fenofibrate ?

Some medications may interact with Fenofibrate and affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of side-effects. However, these medications may also be important for your treatment. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications you are currently taking. Examples include:

Other cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. cholestyramine, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate)
Medications used to suppress immune system (e.g. cyclosporine, tacrolimus)
Warfarin, a type of blood tinner.

Fenofibrate - Dosage and How to Use

How should Fenofibrate be used?

Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional. If you stop taking your medication, your cholesterol level may rise again.
You may take this with or without food.
For special formulations of fenofibrate (e.g. Lipanthyl Penta 145, Trilipix 135, Trilipix 45), you may take this medication with or without food.
Ask your healthcare professional if you are unsure whether to take your medication with or without food.
If you are taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take it 4 hours before or 2 hours after fenofibrate.