fenofibric acid

What is the most important information I should know about fenofibric acid?

What is fenofibric acid?

Fenofibric acid helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood. High levels of these types of fat in the blood are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).

Fenofibric acid is sometimes given together with other cholesterol-lowering medications.

Fenofibric acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fenofibric acid?

• severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• liver disease; or
• gallbladder disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or
• gallbladder problems.

Fenofibric acid can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in older adults, or people who have kidney disease, diabetes, or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

How should I take fenofibric acid?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take fenofibric acid with or without food.

You may need frequent medical tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.

Fenofibric acid is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking fenofibric acid?

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or fenofibric acid will not be as effective.

What are the possible side effects of fenofibric acid?

• sharp stomach pain spreading to your back or shoulder blade;
• loss of appetite, stomach pain just after eating a meal;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• fever, chills, weakness, sore throat, mouth sores, unusual bruising or bleeding;
• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or
• swelling, warmth, or redness in an arm or leg.

Common side effects may include:

• runny nose, sneezing; or
• abnormal laboratory tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect fenofibric acid?

Some medicines can make fenofibric acid much less effective when taken at the same time. If you take any of the following medicines, take your fenofibric acid dose 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after you take the other medicine.

• cholestyramine;
• colesevelam; or
• colestipol.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• other cholesterol lowering medicines;
• colchicine;
• a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or
• drugs that weaken the immune system such as cancer medicine, steroids, and medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect fenofibric acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about fenofibric acid.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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