Brand Name(s): Tricor, Triglide

Generic Name Fenofibrate Tablets

What are fenofibrate tablets?

FENOFIBRATE (Tricor®, Triglide™) tablets can help lower blood fats (called triglycerides) and cholesterol for people who are at risk of getting inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) from having very high amounts of fats in their blood. Inflammation of the pancreas is a painful condition of the abdomen that can sometimes cause serious health problems. Fenofibrate is only for patients whose blood fats are not controlled by diet. Fenofibrate can also help some persons who have high cholesterol and blood fats that have not responded well to other standard cholesterol lowering drugs. Fenofibrate is not a cure, and it is unclear at this time if this drug helps prevent heart disease. Generic fenobibrate is available for some products. To determine if an appropriate generic product is available for your particular fenofibrate brand, discuss options with your pharmacist.

What should my health care professional know before I take fenofibrate?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• if you are a frequent user of alcoholic beverages
• diabetes
• gallbladder disease
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• thyroid gland problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take fenofibrate tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your dose each day at a regular time. Fenofibrate is generally taken with food. However, if you are taking Tricor® or Triglide™ brand name tablets, you may take these doses with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with fenofibrate?

• other medications used to lower cholesterol, like cholestyramine, atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin or simvastatin
• medicines used to treat diabetes
• cyclosporine
• ursodiol
• warfarin
• went yeast

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking fenofibrate?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• abdominal pain
• cough or hoarseness
• dark yellow or brown urine
• fever or chills
• lower back or side pain
• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• nausea and vomiting
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• skin rash or skin-bruising
• sore throat that does not go away
• unusual tiredness
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision
• constipation or mild diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light
• sexual dysfunction (loss of sexual desire - rare)
• stomach gas, heartburn or upset

What should I watch for while taking fenofibrate?

Fenofibrate will not cure your condition but it will help lower your triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your blood fats and other tests will be measured from time to time. Do not stop taking fenofibrate except on the advice of your prescriber.

Fenofibrate is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your health care professional or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

If you are diabetic, close regulation and monitoring of your blood sugars can help your blood fat levels. Fenofibrate may change the way your diabetic medication works, and sometimes will require that your prescriber change your medication dosages. Check with your prescriber or health care professional.

Fenofibrate may cause drowsiness. Driving or operating machinery, or performing other tasks that require mental alertness requires caution when first starting fenofibrate. You should not participate in these activities until you determine how the medication affects you.

Fenofibrate can increase your sensitivity to the sun and you may burn more easily. Use sunscreen and protective clothing during long periods outdoors. Tanning booths should be used with caution.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking fenofibrate.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 30 °C (86 °F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.