fenofibrate

Fenofibrate is used with dietary modifications for the treatment of lipid disorders. It helps reduce levels of LDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, and increase HDL-C. It is prescribed to patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia, and hypertriglyceridemia.

Yes

Yes

• Antara,
• Fenoglide,
• Fibricor,
• Lipofen,
• Lofibra,
• Tricor,
• Triglide,
• Trilipix

Common adverse effects of fenofibrate are abnormal liver tests including AST and ALT, and headache.

Less common side effects are:

• high blood pressure,
• dizziness,
• itching,
• nausea,
• upset stomach (dyspepsia),
• constipation,
• diarrhea,
• urinary tract infections,
• flu (influenza),
• muscle pain,
• kidney problems, and
• respiratory tract infections.

Hypertriglyceridemia

• Antara: 43-130 mg orally once daily
• Fenoglide: 40-120 mg orally once daily
• Fibricor: 35-105 mg orally once daily
• Lipofen: 50-150 mg orally once daily
• Lofibra: 67-200 mg orally once daily
• Tricor: 48-145 mg orally once daily
• Triglide: 50-160 mg orally once daily
• Triliprix: 45-135 mg orally once daily

Hypercholesterolemia or mixed hyperlipidemia

• Antara: 130 mg orally once daily
• Fenoglide: 120 mg orally once daily
• Fibricor: 105 mg orally once daily
• Lipofen: 150 mg orally once daily
• Lofibra: 160 mg orally once daily
• Tricor: 145 mg orally once daily
• Triglide: 160 mg orally once daily
• Trilipix: 135 mg orally once daily

Bile acid sequestrants (colestipol [Colestid], cholestyramine [Questran, Questran Light]) may decrease the absorption of fibric acid and reduce their effectiveness.

Fibric acid derivatives may increase the adverse effects of colchicine (Colcrys) on muscle tissue.

Cyclosporine may increase the toxic effects of fibric acid derivatives on the kidney while fibric acid derivatives may decrease blood levels of cyclosporine.

Fenofibrate and its derivatives may increase the adverse effects associated with ezetimibe (Zetia), HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), and sulfonlyureas. Fibric acid derivatives may increase the anticoagulation (blood-thinning) benefits of warfarin (Coumadin).

Fenofibrate is classified as pregnancy category C. Use of fenofibrate in pregnant females has not been adequately evaluated. Fenofibrate should be avoided during pregnancy unless the benefits justify the potential risk to the fetus.

Fenofibrate should not be used in nursing mothers; however, it is unknown whether fenofibrate is excreted into breast milk.

What preparations of fenofibrate are available?

• Oral capsules: 50 and 150 mg fenofibrate; 50 and 150 mg Lipofen
• Oral tablets: 48, 54, 145, and 160 mg fenofibrate; 40 mg Fenoglide; 54 and 160 mg Lofibra; 48 and 145 mg Tricor; 50 and 160 mg Triglide
• Micronized oral capsules: 30 and 90 mg Antara; 43, 67,130, 134, and 200 mg fenofibrate; 67, 134, and 200 mg Lofibra

How should I keep fenofibrate stored?

Fenofibrate products should be stored at room temperature, between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).

How does fenofibrate work?

Fenofibrate is a prodrug, which means that it must be converted to another chemical (fenofibric acid) in the body before it can work.

Fenofibric acid increases the activity of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme that breaks down triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. It also affects production, transportation, and storage of triglycerides. Overall benefits of fenofibrate use include a 30%-60% decrease in total blood triglycerides, a modest increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, commonly known as "good" cholesterol), and a decrease in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol) and total cholesterol.

Fenofibrate products are available in multiple strengths and dosage forms. Fenofibrate formulations are not bioequivalent and are not interchangeable except for generic equivalents.

When was fenofibrate approved by the FDA?

Fenofibrate was approved by the FDA in February 1998.