Fenofibrate (By mouth)

Fenofibrate (fen-oh-FYE-brate)

Lowers high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Brand Name(s):

Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, Tricor

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to fenofibrate or fenofibric acid, if you are breastfeeding, or if you have gallbladder disease, severe kidney disease (including patients receiving dialysis), or an active liver disease (including cirrhosis).

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take Fenoglide®, Lipofen®, or Tricor® with a meal. Antara® and Triglide® can be taken with or without a meal.
• Swallow Antara® capsules, Fenoglide® tablets, Triglide® tablets, or Tricor® tablets whole. Do not open, crush, break, chew, or dissolve them.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how fenofibrate works. Tell your doctor if you are using colchicine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, blood thinner (including warfarin), or statin medicine (including atorvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin).
• If you are also using cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol, you must take fenofibrate at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after you take these medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, blood clotting problems, diabetes, or thyroid problems.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 5 days after the last dose.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Liver problems
  • Serious muscle problems (including myopathy), especially when used with other medicines
  • Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle weakness) that could lead to kidney damage
  • Pancreatitis
  • Increased risk of gallstones
  • Serious skin reactions, including Steven-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
• Dark urine or pale stools, yellow skin or eyes
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Stuffy or runny nose, sneezing

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 12/4/2023