Fenofibrate

What is Fenofibrate for?

Fenofibrate belong to the class of medications called fibrates. Fibrates work by speeding the natural processes that remove cholesterol from the body. They lower the amount of 'bad cholesterol' (low density lipoprotein or LDL-cholesterol) and 'fat' (triglyceride) as well as increase the amount of 'good cholesterol' (high density lipoprotein or HDL-cholesterol) in the blood.

High 'bad cholesterol' levels can cause your blood vessels to clog up and lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack or stroke. Hence, this medication may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.

How should I take or use Fenofibrate?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional. If you stop taking your medication, your cholesterol level may rise again.
• You may take this with or without food.
• For special formulations of fenofibrate (e.g. Lipanthyl Penta 145, Trilipix 135, Trilipix 45), you may take this medication with or without food.
• Ask your healthcare professional if you are unsure whether to take your medication with or without food.
• If you are taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take it 4 hours before or 2 hours after fenofibrate.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Fenofibrate?

Inform your healthcare processional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are allergic to any other fibrates, or to any other medications.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You have liver, kidney or gallbladder problems.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have an underactive thyroid gland.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Fenofibrate?

Some medications may interact with Fenofibrate and affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of side-effects. However, these medications may also be important for your treatment. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications you are currently taking. Examples include:

• Other cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. cholestyramine, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate)
• Medications used to suppress immune system (e.g. cyclosporine, tacrolimus)
• Warfarin, a type of blood tinner.

What are some common side effects of Fenofibrate?

• Nausea
• Heartburn, stomach pain
• Constipation, diarrhoea
• Joint pain, muscle pain, back pain
• Skin rashes
• Headache

Inform your healthcare professional of these side-effects do not go away and interfere with your daily life.

Very rarely, fenofibrate may cause muscle or liver problems. These symptoms may include one or more of the following:

• Breakdown of muscles - unexplained, severe muscle pain that does not go away, muscle weakness/ cramps all over your body or dark tea-coloured urine.
• Liver injury - dark coloured urine, light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellowing of skin or eyes.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If your experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Fenofibrate?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

• Throw away all expired medications

How do I throw away Fenofibrate safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.