Fenofibrate Tablets

What is this medication?

FENOFIBRATE (fen oh FYE brate) treats high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. It works by decreasing bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. It belongs to a group of medications called fibrates. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fenoglide, Lofibra, Tricor, Triglide

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Blood clots
• Gallbladder disease
• High blood sugar (diabetes)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Low thyroid levels
• Take medications that treat or prevent blood clots
• An unusual or allergic reaction to fenofibrate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Some brands of this medication may be taken with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Other brands of this medication should be taken with food. Ask your care team or pharmacist if you should take this medication with or without food.

Take bile acid sequestrants at a different time of day than this medication. Take this medication 1 hour BEFORE or 4 to 6 hours AFTER bile acid sequestrants.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may interact with the following:

• Bile acid sequestrants like cholestyramine, colesevelam, and colestipol
• Certain medications for cholesterol like atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin
• Certain medications for diabetes, like glipizide or glyburide
• Certain medications that suppress the body's immune response like cyclosporine and tacrolimus
• Colchicine
• Ezetimibe
• Supplements like red yeast rice
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Your care team may give you a special diet to follow. Avoid alcohol. Avoid smoking. Ask your care team how much you should exercise.

Your care team may tell you to stop taking this medication if you develop muscle problems. If your muscle problems do not go away after stopping this medication, contact your care team.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

This medication may cause a decrease in vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough B12 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Muscle injury—unusual weakness or fatigue, muscle pain, dark yellow or brown urine, decrease in amount of urine
• Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
• Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• Back pain
• Constipation
• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.