Fenofibrate (Tricor): What Is It Used For?

What is fenofibrate?

Fenofibrate is a medicine used for the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia and hypertriglyceridemia. The original content notes that the active ingredient is fenofibric acid.

In the United States, brand names listed in the source content include Tricor, Lofibra, Lipofen, and Antara.

How fenofibrate works

Fenofibrate helps reduce triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, including VLDL. The original content states that it does this by increasing lipoprotein lipase activity and reducing VLDL synthesis in the liver.

It may also lower cholesterol levels and slightly raise HDL cholesterol.

Uses and therapeutic indications

According to the source content, fenofibrate is used for:

• Treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia, with or without low HDL cholesterol.
• Mixed hyperlipidemia when statins are contraindicated or not tolerated.
• Mixed hyperlipidemia in patients at high cardiovascular risk, in addition to a statin, when triglycerides and HDL cholesterol are not adequately controlled.

Dosage and administration

The original content lists the following oral adult doses:

• 145 mg/day
• 160 mg/day
• 200 mg/day
• Prolonged-release capsules: 250 mg/day

It also notes that patients taking 200 mg of micronized fenofibrate may change to 160 mg or 145 mg without needing a dose adjustment.

Administration notes from the source:

• Capsules: take with one of the main meals.
• Tablets: may be taken at any time of day, with or without food.

Because formulations can differ, the exact dose and timing should be checked on the prescription label and official leaflet.

Contraindications listed in the source content

The original content lists the following situations where fenofibrate is contraindicated:

• Hypersensitivity.
• Liver failure, including biliary cirrhosis and abnormal liver function.
• Renal failure.
• Children under 18 years.
• Known photosensitivity or phototoxicity reactions during treatment with fibrates or ketoprofen.
• Gallbladder disease, including gallstones.
• Acute or chronic pancreatitis, except acute pancreatitis due to severe hypertriglyceridemia.
• Pregnancy.
• Lactation.

Warnings and precautions

The source content highlights the need for monitoring liver enzymes during treatment, especially in the first year. It also notes that treatment should be interrupted if GPT is above 100 UI.

It further warns about possible muscle toxicity, including myalgia, myositis, cramps, weakness, and rhabdomyolysis. The original content says the risk may be higher in certain situations, such as:

• Use with other fibrates or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
• Older age.
• Personal or family history of inherited disorders.
• Renal failure.
• Hypoalbuminemia.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Alcohol use disorder.

The source also states that secondary causes of hypercholesterolemia should be addressed before starting treatment, including uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinemia, hepatic obstructive disorder, pharmacological treatment, and alcoholism.

Liver and kidney considerations

Liver failure: contraindicated according to the source content.

Renal insufficiency: contraindicated according to the source content. The original text also says to stop if creatinine levels are above 50% LSN and to monitor creatinine during the first 3 months of treatment.

Because kidney and liver status can affect treatment decisions, these points should be reviewed with a clinician using the official product information.

Drug interactions

The original content lists these interactions and cautions:

• May potentiate the effect of oral anticoagulants.
• Use caution with cyclosporine and monitor renal function.
• Do not associate with perhexiline maleate, MAOI, or hepatotoxic substances.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The source content states that there are no data available on fenofibrate use in pregnant women and that it is contraindicated in pregnancy.

For breastfeeding, the original content says that because information on transfer into breast milk is lacking, use during lactation is not recommended.

Adverse reactions and side effects

The original content lists the following adverse reactions:

• Digestive or gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and flatulence.
• Skin reactions such as rash, itching, hives, and photosensitivity.
• Elevations of transaminases.

If any side effect seems severe, persistent, or unusual, the official leaflet and a healthcare professional should be consulted promptly.

Key points to verify with a doctor or pharmacist

• The exact fenofibrate formulation and strength prescribed.
• Whether the medicine should be taken with food or at a specific time.
• Whether liver, kidney, or muscle monitoring is needed.
• Whether any other medicines may interact with fenofibrate.
• Whether the official leaflet includes additional warnings for your specific product.

FAQ

Sources and references

The original content cites FDA and U.S. National Library of Medicine resources, including the FDA medication guide and the following identifiers and databases:

• UNII: U202363UOS
• ChemIDplus
• DrugPortal
• PubChem CID: 3339
• NCI Thesaurus: C29047
• FDA Medication Guide database