Uses

What is fenofibrate used for?

Fenofibrate is commonly used to lower bad cholesterol (LDL-C) and increase good cholesterol (HDL-C) in people with high cholesterol or mixed dyslipidemia (elevated cholesterol and triglycerides).

It is also used to lower triglyceride levels in people with severely high triglyceride levels. Triglyceride is a type of fat in your blood. Having high triglyceride levels can raise your risk of pancreatitis.  

Fenofibrate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does fenofibrate work (mechanism of action)?

Fenofibrate increases the removal of triglycerides from the blood, which lowers LDL-C.

How is fenofibrate supplied (dosage forms)?

Fenofibrate is available as Antara, Lipofen, TriCor, Triglide, Trilipix, and generic fenofibrate in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 45 mg, 135 mg fenofibric acid delayed-release oral capsules
  • 43 mg, 50 mg, 67 mg, 130 mg, 134 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg fenofibrate oral capsules
  • 40 mg, 48 mg, 54 mg, 120 mg, 145 mg, 160 mg fenofibrate oral tablets

How should I store fenofibrate?

Fenofibrate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of fenofibrate?

The most common side effects of fenofibrate are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Liver problems (see below)
  • Runny nose or stuffy nose

There may be other side effects of fenofibrate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of fenofibrate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of fenofibrate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Fenofibrate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using fenofibrate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Muscle Problems. Fenofibrate can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking fenofibrate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.

  • Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
  • Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
  • Dark colored urine
  • Fever
  • Muscle cramps
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting

Blood Disorders. Fenofibrate can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis and low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia). Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Gallbladder Problems. Taking fenofibrate can cause gallbladder problems, including cholelithiasis (also known as gallstones). Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
  • Fever
  • Pain in your upper stomach area
  • Stool (poop) that is clay-colored

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking fenofibrate. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Talk with your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Fenofibrate may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Fenofibrate is typically taken to help prevent pancreatitis. So, this reported side effect is likely due to fenofibrate not lowering triglyceride levels enough in people with severely high triglycerides. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.

Blood Clots. Fenofibrate may increase your risk of having blood clots. These blood clots can lead to serious or life-threatening conditions, such as pulmonary embolus (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Talk with your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of PE or DVT.

  • Chest pain
  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Coughing up blood
  • Lightheadedness
  • Sudden leg or arm swelling
  • Pain or soreness when you stand or walk
  • Warmth in the area that hurts

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use fenofibrate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take fenofibrate.

  • TriCor
  • Antara
  • Lipofen
  • Triglide
  • Trilipix
  • Fenofibrate or fenofibric acid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific fenofibrate products they stock.

Gallbladder Problems. Fenofibrate should not be used if you have or have had gallbladder problems.      

Kidney Problems. Fenofibrate should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.

Liver Problems. Fenofibrate should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.

Breastfeeding. Do not take fenofibrate if you are breastfeeding. You must either stop breastfeeding or stop fenofibrate. See the Breastfeeding section below for more details.

What should I know about fenofibrate before using it?

Do not take fenofibrate unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share fenofibrate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep fenofibrate out of the reach of children.

Do not open, cut, crush, dissolve, or chew fenofibrate or fenofibric acid tablets and capsules. Swallow tablets and capsules whole.

Follow a diet and exercise plan as recommended by your healthcare provider.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using fenofibrate?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if fenofibrate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Pancreas problems
  • Blood clot problems
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid problems
  • Blood disorders, such as thrombocytopenia

Other Medicines and Supplements. Fenofibrate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using fenofibrate, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how fenofibrate could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take fenofibrate while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not take fenofibrate while you are breastfeeding and for 5 days after your last dose. It is not known if fenofibrate passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does fenofibrate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between fenofibrate and foods or drinks.

It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Your risk of pancreatitis may be higher if you drink alcohol.

Does fenofibrate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking fenofibrate.

  • A statin, such as simvastatin (Zocor) or rosuvastatin (Crestor), which is a medicine used for high cholesterol 
  • Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), which is a blood thinner
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others) and tacrolimus (Prograf and others), which are medicine used to suppress your immune system 
  • A bile acid sequestrant, such as colestipol (Colestid), cholestyramine, or colesevelam (Welchol), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol 
  • Colchicine, which is a medicine commonly used for gout 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with fenofibrate. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Fenofibrate interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much fenofibrate?

If you or someone else has used too much fenofibrate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of fenofibrate?

 If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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