Tricor (Fenofibrate)
Purpose of Medication and Method of Action
Tricor is indicated for the treatment of hypercholesteremia. It is used to lower elevated LDL-C, Total-C, Triglycerides, and Apo B blood levels. It also increases HDC-C. Tricor acts by activating lipoprotein lipase and by reducing production of apoprotein C-III (an inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase activity.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are: respiratory disorders (6%), abdominal pain (4.6%), back pain (3.4%), headache (3.2%) and diarrhea (2.3%). Tricor may also produce an increase in abnormal liver function measures. Rarely muscle pain which can progress to renal failure may occur.
Drug Interactions
Tricor may potentiate the anticoagulant effects of Coumadin (warfarin). Extreme caution should be exercised when adding Tricor to existing anticoagulant therapy. As Tricor is excreted by the kidney, use with other drugs with nephrotoxic effects may require a lower dose of Tricor.
Cautions and Contraindications
Tricor should not be used in patients with preexisting gall bladder disease.
Usual Dose
Initially 48-145 mg daily. Dose increases should be made based on the response to therapy. The maximum dose is 145 mg daily.
Patient Medication Information
These information sheets do not list all known side effects of the medications, only the most common side effects. For a complete list of side effects please contact your local pharmacy or the actual drug manufacturing company.