Brand name : FIBRAL
(Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor)
Pronounced: TRY-core
Generic name: Fenofibrate
Other brand name: Lofibra
Why is FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) prescribed?
FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) is used, along with a special diet, to treat people with very
high levels of triglycerides (a fatty substance in the blood). FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor)
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.
FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) 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 FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) is intended to supplement them, rather than replace them
outright. To get the full benefit of FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor), you need to stick to the
diet, exercise program, and other treatments your doctor 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 FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor)
Drugs such as FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) have caused rare cases of a muscle-wasting disease
called rhabdomyolysis. The chances of this problem rise dramatically
when FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) is combined with another type of cholesterol-lowering drug
called "statins." Among these drugs are Altocor, Lescol,
Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor. Avoid combining FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) with
any of them unless your doctor feels it's absolutely necessary. Inform
the doctor 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 FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor).
How should you take FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor)?
FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) should be taken with meals. If you've also been prescribed
a cholesterol-lowering drug such as Questran or Colestid, take FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor)
at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after the other drug to make
sure FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) 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.
FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor).
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, back pain, headache, respiratory disorders
Why should FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) not be prescribed?
You should not take FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) if you have liver or gallbladder disease,
or severe kidney problems. You'll also have to avoid FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) if it gives
you an allergic reaction.
Special warnings about FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor)
FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) has the potential to cause gallstones. Your doctor will discontinue
the drug if gallstones develop.
FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) may also affect liver function. Your doctor should perform
periodic blood tests to monitor the health of your liver.
FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) has not been tested in children.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor)
If FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) 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 FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) have proven harmful in animal studies. If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) should not be used in nursing mothers. If FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) is essential
to your health, your doctor will advise you to stop nursing your baby.
Recommended dosage for FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor)
ADULTS
Overdosage
