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

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

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

Can I take Fenofibrate during pregnancy?

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

Can I take Fenofibrate while breastfeeding?

Fenofibrate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Fenofibrate?

No influence on the ability to drive.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Fenofibrate?

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

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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