Fenofibrate is a widely used drug, and is safe to use in most cases. It may cause mild side effects, which should clear up after a few days.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- heartburn
- pain in the back, joints or limbs
- headaches
Sometimes, people report more severe side effects.
It is important if you observe any of the following to stop the medication and consult with your healthcare professional or pharmacist:
- muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
- fever
- blistering or peeling skin
- rash
- trouble in breathing
- changes in urination
- abdominal pain
- hives
- pain in the upper back between the shoulder blades or under the right shoulder
- stomach pain, especially in the upper right part of the stomach, along with nausea and vomiting
- redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, or warmth in one leg
- shortness of breath, pain when breathing or coughing up blood
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, and eyes
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- hoarseness
Fenofibrate is in a class of medications called antilipemic agents that work by speeding processes that remove cholesterol from the body. It is sold in the US under several brand names, and is available from IsraelPharm as Lipanthyl®. It is the 73rd most prescribed drug in America.
Tricor is typically prescribed along with a low-fat diet and exercise to reduce the amounts of fatty substances such as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and increase the amount of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) to lower the risk of heart disease. Atherosclerosis – the accumulation of cholesterol and fats on the walls of the arteries – decreases the volume of blood flow and so reduces the oxygen supply to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. It increases the risk of heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks.
