TriCor (fenofibrate) 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).
TriCor is used to treat high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels.
TriCor may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use TriCor if you are allergic to fenofibrate, or if you have liver disease, gallbladder disease, severe kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis.
Do not take fenofibrate if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use TriCor if you are allergic to fenofibrate, or if you have:
To make sure TriCor is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether TriCor will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Fenofibrate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while taking fenofibrate.
How should I take TriCor?
Take TriCor exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
TriCor may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your medicine label.
Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
If you also take cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol: these other medicines should be taken at least 1 hour after or 4 hours before you take TriCor.
TriCor is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor"s instructions very closely.
While using TriCor, you may need frequent blood tests at your doctor"s office. Your liver and gallbladder function may also need to be tested.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
If you also take cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol: Wait 4 to 6 hours after taking any of these other medicines before you take TriCor. Avoid taking fenofibrate within 1 hour before taking the other medicine.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking TriCor.
TriCor side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to TriCor: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, TriCor can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Stop using TriCor and call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
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easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
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chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or
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pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.
Common TriCor side effects may include:
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mild stomach pain;
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back pain;
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headache; or
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runny or stuffy nose.
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect TriCor?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with TriCor, especially:
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other cholesterol lowering medicines;
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colchicine;
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a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
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drugs that weaken immune system such as cancer medicine, steroids, and medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with TriCor, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
