Fenofibrate What is it?

Fenofibrate (fen-oh-FYE-brate) is a generic name for fibrate class medications that act to lower cholesterol level in the blood reducing the risk of heart and vascular diseases (like coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis). The mode of fenofibrate action is to reduce the level of so called bad cholesterol (LDL and VLDL as well as triglycerides) and increase the level of so called good cholesterol (known as HDL) in the blood by stimulating the production of relevant enzyme.

Fenofibrate is available under various strengths and brand names. In the US fenofibrate can be purchased under the names of Tripix, Tricor, Triglide, Lofibra, Lipofen, Golip, Antara in the strengths of 48, 54, 67, 134, 145, 160, 200mg. Drugs of different names as well as strengths can be replaced by each other, for example, fenofibrate 160 mg can be taken instead of 200mg, etc.

Fenofibrate should be taken in complex with a special low-fat diet under strict doctors control. Patients with kidney, liver or gallbladder malfunctions or diabetes are not recommended to take the drug. The same concerns breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women.

Fenofibrate can have the following side effects: indigestion, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscular or joint pain, fever.