Fenofibrate
Molecule Description
Fenofibrate is a medicine from fibrate class. It is used to treat high choleste
rol levels and high triglycerides (a type of bad cholesterol). High cholesterol and triglyceride levels lead to clogging of arteries, thus increasing the risk of heart diseases.
Uses of Fenofibrate
Increasing the amount of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (‘good’ type of cholesterol)
Contraindications of Fenofibrate
When should one not use Fenofibrate
- Do not take if you:
- Are allergic to Fenofibrate or any ingredient of this medicine
- Have severe kidney or liver disease
- Have swelling in pancreas
- Have gallbladder disease
Side effects of Fenofibrate
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Stomach pain
- Wind (flatulence)
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Raised levels of liver enzymes in the blood – shown in tests
- Headache
- Chest pain and feeling breathless
- Diarrhea
- Gallbladder stones
- Rash, itching, hives
- Inflammation of pancreas
- Hair loss
- Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
- Yellowing of skin
- Abnormal muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
Precautions and Warnings of Fenofibrate
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Fenofibrate during pregnancy?
A:
No studies are available on the safety of this medicine in pregnant women. Hence, it is better to avoid the same in pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Fenofibrate while breastfeeding?
A:
Fenofibrate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Fenofibrate?
A:
No influence on the ability to drive.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Fenofibrate?
A:
Alcohol consumption with Fenofibrate may increase the risk of liver damage. Avoid alcohol while on this treatment.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have heart, liver, thyroid or kidney problems
- You have muscle aches or pains or family history of muscle problems
- In the past, you had muscular problems during treatment with other cholesterol-lowering medicines
- You are over 70 years old
- You are taking medicines for lowering cholesterol levels
Mode of Action of Fenofibrate
How Does It Work?
Fenofibrate inhibits triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL levels). Addiotionally, it increases the good cholesterol (HDL levels), also known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
Interactions of Fenofibrate
Interactions with other medicines
- Anticoagulants to thin your blood
- Other medicines used for controlling the fat levels in the blood
- A particular class of medicines to treat diabetes
- Ciclosporin (used to suppress your immune system)
Interactions with food items
No information is available on interactions of Fenofibrate when taken with food, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
Dietary Restrictions of Fenofibrate
Avoid oily food and food rich in carbohydrates should be consumed less.
Dosage of Fenofibrate
Overdose
Symptoms of an overdose of this medicine can include headache, nausea, muscle pain, diarrhea and the common cold. Seek emergency medical care immediately.
Missed a Dose
Do not take a double dose if you have missed the dose; take the next dose as soon as you remember.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Mahesh Muthe
MBBS
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking this drug?
A: Give a detailed account of your medical and surgical history. Show all your previous and recent blood reports to your doctor. Also, mention to your doctor all the prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal preparations and nutritional supplements that you may be taking before starting this medication.
References
View All
- Ema.Fenofibrate.[Accessed 4Sept. 2019] (online) :
- CDSCO. Fenofibrate. [Accessed 4Sept. 2019] (online):
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): the National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Fenofibrate. [Updated 2018 Dec 3]:
- Daily med.Fenofibrate.[Accessed 4Sept..2019](online):
- WebMD.Fenofibrate.[Accessed 4Sept. 2019] (online):
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