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What is fenofibrate
 Fenofibrate
helps reduce types of fat in the blood. Fenofibrate is especially
good at lowering triglycerides and a form of cholesterol called
very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). High levels of these
types of fat in the blood are associated with an increased
chance of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that
can result in severe stomach pain and even death.
Fenofibrate
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about fenofibrate
Follow any special diet and exercise plan recommended
by your doctor while taking this medication. Diet and exercise
are very important factors in controlling cholesterol.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience severe stomach
pain with nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, muscle pain,
muscle weakness, or fever. These symptoms could be early
signs of serious side effects.
Avoid alcohol or use
it only in moderation while taking fenofibrate. Alcohol
can raise triglyceride levels and it can be damaging to
your liver while taking one of these medicines.
Who should not take fenofibrate
Before taking fenofibrate, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease,
- biliary cirrhosis,
- kidney disease,
- gallbladder disease,
-
hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), or
-
diabetes.
You may not be able to take fenofibrate,
or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during
treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Fenofibrate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This
means that it is not known whether fenofibrate will harm
an unborn baby. Do not take fenofibrate without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Fenofibrate should
not be used by nursing mothers. Do not take fenofibrate
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
How should take fenofibrate Take fenofibrate exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Take fenofibrate
with a meal or with food.
Store fenofibrate at room
temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor
directs otherwise.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a fenofibrate overdose are not known.
Avoid while taking fenofibrate Follow any diet or exercise plan outlined by your
doctor. Diet and exercise are very important factors in
controlling cholesterol.
Avoid alcohol or use it
only in moderation while taking a fibric acid derivative.
Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, and it can be damaging
to your liver while you are taking one of these medicines.
Possible side effects of fenofibrate If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking fenofibrate and contact your doctor
or seek medical attention:
- an allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling
of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- severe
stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting;
- muscle aches,
pain, cramping, or weakness; or
- fever.
Other,
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take fenofibrate and talk to your doctor if you experience
- joint pain;
- indigestion;
- bloating
or flatulence; or
- a rash.
Side effects other
than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
What other drugs will affect fenofibrate Before taking fenofibrate, tell your doctor if you
are taking any of the following medicines:
- an anticoagulant
(blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);
- cyclosporine
(Neoral, Sandimmune);
- lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin
(Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol),
atorvastatin (Lipitor), or cerivastatin (Baycol); or
-
cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid).
You may not be able to take fenofibrate, or you may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you are taking any of the drugs listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with fenofibrate.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
