Trilipix (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).
Trilipix is used to treat high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels. It is sometimes given together with other cholesterol-lowering medications.
Trilipix may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not take Trilipix if you are allergic to fenofibric acid, or if you have liver disease, gallbladder disease, severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), or if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Before you take Trilipix, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, diabetes, or underactive thyroid.
Trilipix 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.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Trilipix. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Trilipix will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
In rare cases, Trilipix 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.
Before taking this medicine
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Trilipix:
- severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- liver disease;
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gallbladder disease; or
- if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before you take Trilipix, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease;
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diabetes; or
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underactive thyroid.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Trilipix will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Trilipix.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I take Trilipix?
Take Trilipix exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take the medicine with a full glass of water.
You may take Trilipix with or without food.
If you also take cholestyramine (Questran), colesevelam (Welchol), or colestipol (Colestid), take these medicines at least 1 hour after taking Trilipix, or 4 to 6 hours before taking Trilipix. Do not take any of these medicines at the same time you take fenofibric acid.
"Statin" cholesterol-lowering medications may be taken at the same time as Trilipix.
Trilipix 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.
To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.
To be sure Trilipix is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney, liver, and gallbladder function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
Store Trilipix at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. 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. Symptoms of a Trilipix overdose are not known.
What should I avoid?
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Trilipix will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Trilipix. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking Trilipix.
Trilipix side effects
In rare cases, Trilipix can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Stop taking Trilipix and 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.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Trilipix: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Trilipix and call your doctor at once if you have any of these other serious side effects:
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sharp stomach pain spreading to your back or shoulder blade;
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stomach pain just after eating a meal;
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nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
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pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs; or
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chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate.
Less serious Trilipix side effects may include:
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headache, dizziness;
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back pain;
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joint pain, mild back pain;
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diarrhea, upset stomach; or
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cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
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 Trilipix?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
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cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf);
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a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
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a diuretic (water pill);
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birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy; or
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a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), and others.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Trilipix. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
