Fenofibrate is a drug to lower triglyceride and bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels in the blood. This drug can also be used to reduce the risk of developing pancreatitis in people who have high triglyceride levels.
Fenofibrate belongs to the fibrates class of drugs . This drug works by increasing the breakdown and removal of triglycerides and bad cholesterol from the body. By taking this drug, the risk of having a heart attack or stroke due to cholesterol buildup ( atherosclerosis ) can be reduced.
Fenofibrate trademarks: Evothyl, Fenofibrate, Fenoflex, Fenolip, Fenopi, Fenosup Lidose, Fibesco, Fibramed 300, Hicholfen, Hyperchol, Lipanthyl, Profibrat 200 M, Trolip, and Yosenob 300.
What is Fenofibrate
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Fibrates are cholesterol-lowering drugs |
| Benefit | Reducing levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol ( low density lipoprotein / LDL ) in the body. |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Fenofibrate for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether fenofibrate is absorbed into breast milk or not. However, because this drug carries a risk of side effects on the baby, fenofibrate should not be used during breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablets and capsules |
Precautions Before Taking Fenofibrate
Fenofibrate is a prescription drug that should not be used carelessly. Some things you need to pay attention to before taking this drug include:
- Do not take fenofibrate if you are allergic to it, ketoprofen, or other fibrates, such as gemfibrozil . Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, gallstones , pancreatitis not caused by high triglycerides, kidney failure, or are on dialysis. Fenofibrate should not be used in people with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had rhabdomyolysis , a congenital muscle disorder, diabetes , pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis , hypothyroidism , hypoalbuminemia, or alcoholism .
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with fenofibrate because it will counteract the action of fenofibrate and increase the risk of liver damage.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to avoid drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- Immediately consult a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction, serious side effects, or an overdose, after taking fenofibrate.
Dosage and Rules for Using Fenofibrate
Fenofibrate will be given by the doctor according to the patient's condition. The following is a general dose of fenofibrate to treat high cholesterol and high triglycerides based on the drug preparation:
-
Fenofibrate capsules 100 mg, 160 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg The dosage
is 160–200 mg, 1 time per day. Dosage can be increased up to 300 mg once a day. The maximum dose is 400 mg per day depending on the patient's response to treatment.
-
Fenofibrate tablets 145 mg or 160 mg
. The dose is 145–160 mg, 1 time per day.
How to Take Fenofibrate Properly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the information on the fenofibrate packaging before starting to consume it. Do not increase or decrease your dose, and do not stop taking fenofibrate without consulting your doctor first.
Take fenofibrate tablets or capsules with food or while eating. Swallow the fenofibrate tablets or capsules whole with water, without splitting, chewing, or crushing them first.
If you are also taking other cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as cholestyramine, take fenofibrate 1 hour before or 4–6 hours after taking this drug.
In order to increase its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels, the use of fenofibrate needs to be accompanied by a low-fat diet and regular exercise. Take control periodically according to the schedule given by the doctor, so that the results of your treatment and health condition can be monitored.
If you forget to take fenofibrate, consume it immediately if it is not yet close to the schedule for taking the next drug. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the dose at the next scheduled dose.
Store fenofibrate tablets or capsules in a closed container in a cool place away from sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children
Fenofibrate Interactions with Other Drugs
Inter-drug interactions that can occur when using fenofibrate together with other drugs are:
- Increased risk of kidney damage when used with ciclosporin or tacrolimus
- Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis or myopathy when used with simvastatin , colchicine, or other fibrates
- Increased risk of bleeding if taken with anticoagulants, such as warfarin
- Increased risk of decreasing good cholesterol ( HDL ) levels when used with glitazone drugs, such as pioglitazone
- Increased risk of low blood sugar when used with sulfonylurea antidiabetic drugs , such as glimepiride
- Decreased absorption of fenofibrate when used with cholestyramine
Fenofibrate Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that may arise after consuming fenofibrate include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Headache
- Pain in the back, arms, or legs
- Stuffy or runny nose
Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above do not subside or even get worse. Stop taking the drug and see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Fever , chills, weakness, pain and weakness in the muscles
- Bruising or bleeding appears
- Abdominal pain that spreads to the back and shoulder blades
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Chest pain, rapid breathing, coughing up blood
Swelling, burning, and redness in the legs or arms