Uses
Lipicard (Fenofibrate) is used, along with a special diet, to treat people with very high levels of triglycerides (a fatty substance in the blood). Lipicard (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.

Lipicard (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.

Dosage and administration

Adults:

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

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

Older adults:

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

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

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

Side effects
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 Lipicard (Fenofibrate).

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

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

Lipicard (Fenofibrate) has the potential to cause gallstones. Your physician will discontinue the drug if gallstones develop. It may also affect liver function. Your physician should perform periodic blood tests to monitor the health of your liver.

If Lipicard (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 Lipicard (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)

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

Lipicard (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.

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

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