Tricor (Fenofibrate)

Description

Tricor is a brand name for fenofibrate, a drug used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in blood. Tricor is available by physician prescription.

 

 

 

Drug Information

 

Fenofibrate, the main active in ingredient in Tricor, belongs to a class of drugs called fibrates. Pharmacologically, fibrates are described as amphipathic carboxylic acids that act as hypolipidemic agents, or lipid lowering drugs.

 

Fenofibrate works by increasing the activity of the enzyme lipoprotein, which breaks down triglycerides in blood. Higher levels of triglycerides in blood lead to conditions such as atherosclerosis (arteries being clogged by lipid buildup). Fenofibrate can affect the production, transportation and storage of triglycerides as well. Overall, Fenofibrate can lower blood triglyceride levels down by 30 percent to 60 percent. In addition, Fenofibrate can modestly increase the levels of high-density HDL cholesterol (“good cholesterol”) and decrease low-density LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) in blood.

 

Tricor is prescribed to treat patients with lipid disorders such as hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia or hypertriglyceridemia. Lowering elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood can reduce the risk for pancreatic disease (pancreatitis). There isn’t sufficient evidence to suggest that Tricor can reduce the risk for heart attack or stroke in patients with cardiovascular disorders.

 

Tricor is only effective in treating lipid disorders in combination with dietary and lifestyle changes. Patients will need to adapt healthy eating habits, avoid smoking, maintain a healthy weight and regularly exercise while taking the Tricor for the health condition to stabilize.

 

Tricor is available as oral tablets.

 

Dosage

 

Dosage of Tricor will vary as per physician recommendation, age, severity of the condition and response to the treatment. The dosage prescribed by a physician should be followed exactly.

 

Tricor tablets should be swallowed either with or without meals. It’s recommended to take Tricor tablets the same time each day.

 

Patients should follow dosage instructions exactly as prescribed. Patients may be instructed to follow a healthy lifestyle plan while taking Tricor, which should to adhered to for the treatment to be effective.

 

Do not take Tricor any more, any less or any longer than prescribed.

 

Missed doses should be taken when remembered, but skip the missed dose if the time is too close to the next dose. Do not take double doses of Tricor.

 

Warnings and Precautions

 

 Do not take Tricor if allergic to fenofibrate or any other ingredient in the drug.

 

 Tricor may not be safe if pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

 Tricor is not recommended for patients with a history of gallbladder disease, kidney disease and diseases affecting the liver such as hepatitis and biliary cirrhosis.

 

 Alcohol consumption raises triglycerides levels in blood. Avoid alcohol consumption when taking a triglyceride regulator like Tricor to potentially avoid damaging the liver.

 

 Patients also taking cholestyramine, colesevelam or colestipol should wait 4 to 6 hours after taking one of these drugs to take Tricor.

 

 Tricor may cause adverse drug reactions with the following: colchicine, certain cholesterol lowering drugs, blood thinners like warfarin, drugs preventing organ transplant rejection and drugs that inhibit the immune system like steroids and cancer medications.

 

Side Effects

 

Zocor and simvastatin could potentially cause one or more of the following side effects:

 

 Headache
 Nausea
 Muscle pain
 Chills or fever
 Elevated levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum alanine aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase and serum transaminases (seen in liver tests).

 

Side effects are not limited to the above.

 

Immediately consult a physician if side effects continue to persist or worsen over time.