Drug Trade Name: Tricor, Triglide
Category: Antilipemic Agents
Generic Name: Fenofibrate
Introduction and quick information:
Fenofibrate is a cholesterol controlling drug that comes under fibrate class. It is generally recommended to patients at the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is also found that Fenofibrate is helpful in insulin resistance during muscular syndrome. Controlling the blood fat is also an added advantage of this drug. The high levels of cholesterol and blood fat lead to partial or total blockage of arteries which in turn decreases the blood flow and oxygen supply in various parts of the body. This also increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and angina.
It is also recommended that an alcoholic person should quit alcohol consumption before starting Fenofibrate dosages because alcohol raises triglyceride levels and cause liver damage.
Is it approved By FDA?
Fenofibrate got its approval from U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August 2007. Fenofibrate as an effective drug for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia.
Usage and Benefits of Fenofibrate:
A large number of benefits of Fenofibrate have been identified so far. Some of them are listed below:
- Reduces cholesterol levels
- Reduces both Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) levels and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
- Increasing High-Density Lipoprotein(HDL) levels
- Reducing triglycerides level
- Beneficial effect on the insulin resistance
- Treatment of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia.
- Controls levels of blood fats
- Decrease the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
If you are taking Fenofibrate, talk to your doctor to know what benefits it will bring to your body.
Fenofibrate Side Effects:
Some of the common side effects of Fenofibrate are given below:
- Rashes
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Severe stomach pain
The list shown above are those side-effects that are generally experienced and are mostly reported. Use of this drug can also cause a rare side-effect called rhabdomyolysis (serious breakdown of muscle). So, better consult your doctor if you experience any unusual muscle pain or any other side-effect.
Fenofibrate is not recommended to patients suffering from any of the following diseases:
- Gallbladder disease
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney disease
If you are suffering from any of the above-listed diseases then your doctor’s guidance is highly recommended if you are planning to take this medication.
General recommended dosages of Fenofibrate:
Taking dosage on your own behalf can be dangerous. It is better to consult your doctor and give him detailed information about your current health condition so that he can prescribe you correct dosage because larger dosage or for larger time both are harmful to your health. You have to follow the prescription dose.
In case I miss the dose?
Don’t worry. Just take it at the moment you remember but keep one thing in mind that if it is the time for your next scheduled dose better skip your missed dose because you may encounter side-effects of overdose. Always remember extra dosage never brings extra benefits. It always brings side-effects with it.
In case I take overdose?
There might be situations when people take over dosage of drugs intentionally or unintentionally but whatever is the case, the result is hazardous. Immediately consult your doctor and seek for medical attention in case you experience any unexplained change in your health after taking Fenofibrate dosage.
Drug Interactions of Fenofibrate:
Fenofibrate being a drug can also react with other medications that you are currently taken. Thus, it is necessary for you to know the drug interactions of medications you are taking.
Drug interactions of Fenofibrate are listed below:
- Actos
- Zocor
- Aspirin
- Synthroid
- Crestor
- Plavix
- Cymbalta
- Niaspan
- Diovan
- Nexium
- Januvia
- Lyrica
- Lovaza
If you are not taking any of the above listed drugs then also you should talk to your doctor as your current medication like, any supplements or drugs for any condition, can also be reactive to fenofibrate.
Life style and food habits you must follow when on Fenofibrate:
A well-balanced diet with low-cholesterol and low-fat content is the best option when on Fenofibrate. It will provide a great help to Fenofibrate that controls the level of cholesterol in your body.
It is also advised to quit taking alcohol because alcohol can raise triglyceride levels and cause damage to the liver as this medication reacts highly with alcohol. If you quit smoking also then it will be an added advantage for the medication.
How safe is Fenofibrate for pregnant women or Nursing mothers?
Fenofibrate is categorized under FDA pregnancy category C but the effect of Fenofibrate on an unborn baby is not reported yet. So, it is better to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
In case you are a nursing mother then also you should talk to your doctor because Fenofibrate may pass through breast milk and cause harm to the baby being nursed.
Complications and Conditions possible due to prolonged use of Fenofibrate:
You may experience side-effects that can be intolerable due to prolonged use of Fenofibrate. These side-effects may include severe stomach pain, serious breakdown of muscles, fever, nausea and many more. Prolonged use of fenofibrate can be abusive and habit-forming as your body may get used to the chemicals present in this drug. In short, you may get addicted to it and in that case only your doctor can help you in getting rid of this addiction.
Availability of Fenofibrate:
Fenofibrate is available on the doctor’s prescription only and it is not OTC (Over-The -Counter) drug.
