What is the most important information I should know about fenofibrate?
Fenofibrate is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet,
exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking fenofibrate. Alcohol can raise
triglyceride levels,
and may also damage your liver while you are taking fenofibrate.
Fenofibrate has been associated with a rare but serious side effect of the muscles.
Contact your doctor at once if you have unusual
muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially
if accompanied by
fever or flu-like feeling.
What is fenofibrate?
Fenofibrate helps reduce cholesterol and triclygerides (fatty acids) in the blood. High
levels of these types of fat in the blood are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis
(clogged arteries).
Fenofibrate is used to treat high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels.
Fenofibrate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fenofibrate?
You should not use fenofibrate if you have:
Before using fenofibrate, tell your doctor if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. Fenofibrate may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Fenofibrate should not be used by nursing mothers.
Do not take
fenofibrate without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take fenofibrate?
Take fenofibrate exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger
amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Fenofibrate should be taken with meals to help your body better absorb the medicine.
Do not take a fenofibrate tablet that has been accidentally broken. The medicine
from a crushed or broken tablet can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on
your skin. If you must handle a broken tablet, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely
handle and dispose of the tablet.
It is important to take fenofibrate regularly to get the most benefit.
If you also take cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), take these medicines
at least 1 hour after taking fenofibrate, or 4 to 6 hours before taking fenofibrate. Do not take
either of these medicines at the same time you take fenofibrate.
Fenofibrate is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet,
exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on
a regular basis. Your liver and gallbladder function may also need to be tested. It is important
that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store fenofibrate at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the pills in
their original container, along with any moisture-absorbing preservative packet that comes with
this medicine.
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