Why is Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) prescribed?

Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) is used, along with a special diet, to treat people with very high levels of triglycerides (a fatty substance in the blood). Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) also improves cholesterol levels by lowering total cholesterol--including "bad" LDL cholesterol--and raising "good" HDL cholesterol. It works by promoting the dissolution and elimination of fat particles in the blood.

Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) is usually added to a treatment regimen only when other measures have failed to produce adequate results. Often, diet and exercise are enough to bring blood fats under control. Likewise, it's sometimes sufficient to simply treat an underlying problem such as diabetes, underactive thyroid, kidney disease, liver dysfunction, or alcoholism. And in some cases, just discontinuing a medication is enough to do the job. For instance, certain water pills and "beta-blocker" heart medications are capable of causing a massive increase in triglyceride levels. Estrogen replacement therapy is another potential culprit.

Whatever your other treatment measures may be, it's important to remember that Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) is intended to supplement them, rather than replace them outright. To get the full benefit of the medication, you need to stick to the diet, exercise program, and other treatments your physician prescribes. All these efforts to keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels normal are important because together they may lower your risk of heart disease. If you're judged to be at high risk of heart disease, current guidelines call for considering drug therapy when LDL levels reach 130. For people at lower risk, the cut-off is 160. For those at little or no risk, it's 190.

Most important fact about Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate)

Drugs such as Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) have caused rare cases of a muscle-wasting disease called rhabdomyolysis. The chances of this problem rise dramatically when Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) is combined with another type of cholesterol-lowering drug called "statins." Among these drugs are Altocor, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor. Avoid combining Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) with any of them unless your physician feels it's absolutely necessary. Inform the physician immediately if you develop muscle pain or weakness, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by fatigue or fever: You'll probably have to stop taking Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate).

How should you take Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate)?

Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) should be taken with meals. If you've also been prescribed a cholesterol-lowering drug such as Questran or Colestid, take Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after the other drug to make sure Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) is properly absorbed.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Storage instructions: Store at room temperature and protect from moisture.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your physician as soon as possible. Only your physician can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate).

More common side effects may include: Abdominal pain, back pain, headache, respiratory disorders.

Why should Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) not be prescribed?

You should not take Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) if you have liver or gallbladder disease, or severe kidney problems. You'll also have to avoid Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) if it gives you an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate)

Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) has the potential to cause gallstones. Your physician will discontinue the drug if gallstones develop.

Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) may also affect liver function. Your physician should perform periodic blood tests to monitor the health of your liver.

Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) has not been tested in children.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate)

If Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your physician before combining Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) with the following:

• Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• The cholesterol-lowering drugs Colestid and Questran
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
• "Statins" (the cholesterol-lowering drugs Altocor, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Pregnancy tests have not been conducted in humans, but high doses of Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) have proven harmful in animal studies. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your physician immediately.

Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) should not be used in nursing mothers. If this drug is essential to your health, your physician will advise you to stop nursing your baby.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS:

High cholesterol levels or a combination of high cholesterol and high triglycerides - The initial dose of Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) is 160 milligrams per day.

High triglyceride levels - The starting dose of Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) ranges from 54 to 160 milligrams per day. The usual starting dose of Lofibra is 67 milligrams a day. Your physician may increase the dose every 4 to 8 weeks if your triglycerides do not improve. The maximum dose of Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) is 160 milligrams a day. For Lofibra, the maximum dose is about 200 milligrams a day.

OLDER ADULTS

The starting dose of Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) for older adults and those with poor kidney function is 54 milligrams per day.

Overdosage

There is no information on the effects of a Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) overdose. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Delivery Time: 7-14 Days