Drug Name

Tricor (Fenofibrate)

Drug Uses

Tricor is used for controlling high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood in combination with diet.

How to use

Use Tricor as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Tricor with meals to increase effectiveness.
• Take Tricor at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking a bile acid binding resin (eg, cholestyramine).

Drug Class and Mechanism

Tricor is a lipid-lowering agent. It lowers elevated blood triglyceride levels by making the liver produce fewer triglycerides and increasing the elimination of triglycerides from the blood stream.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Tricor , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at the room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Tricor if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Tricor;
• you have gallbladder problems, liver problems (including cirrhosis), or severe kidney problems ;
• you are breast-feeding or pregnant.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Tricor .
• Using Tricor alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Tricor is not recommended for use in children; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, blood cholesterol, and other blood tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Carefully follow the diet, exercise, and weight reduction programs given to you by your health care provider while you are taking Tricor .
• If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Tricor during pregnancy. It is unknown if Tricor is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Tricor.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• back pain; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; flu syndrome; gas; headache; nausea; stomach pain; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fever; inflammation of the pancreas (stomach tenderness; nausea; vomiting; fever; increased pulse rate); runny nose; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.

More Information

Tricor is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.