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What is Tricor
 Tricor
helps reduce types of fat in the blood. Tricor 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.
Tricor
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Tricor
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 Tricor. Alcohol can raise
triglyceride levels and it can be damaging to your liver
while taking one of these medicines.
Who should not take Tricor
Before taking Tricor, 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 Tricor, or you may require a
lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you
have any of the conditions listed above.
Tricor is
in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether Tricor will harm an unborn baby. Do not take
Tricor without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Tricor should not be used by nursing mothers. Do
not take Tricor without first talking to your doctor if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Tricor Take Tricor 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 Tricor with
a meal or with food.
Store Tricor 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 Tricor overdose are not known.
Avoid while taking Tricor 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 Tricor If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Tricor 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
Tricor 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 Tricor Before taking Tricor, 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 Tricor, 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 Tricor.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
