Why is this medication prescribed?

TriCor (fenofibrate) is a medication prescribed primarily to treat high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs known as fibrates. High triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and pancreatitis. TriCor works by reducing the production of triglycerides in the liver and increasing the elimination of triglycerides from the blood.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how TriCor should be used:

• Dosage: The dosage of TriCor can vary depending on individual factors such as the severity of the condition being treated and the patient’s response to the medication. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage for you.
• Administration: TriCor is usually taken orally with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, but it is typically recommended to take it with food to improve absorption and reduce the risk of stomach upset.
• Follow Doctor’s Instructions: It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking TriCor. Do not take more or less of the medication than prescribed, and do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.
• Regular Monitoring: Your doctor may order regular blood tests to monitor your triglyceride levels and assess your response to TriCor treatment. Follow up with your doctor as scheduled.
• Lifestyle Changes: In addition to taking TriCor, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, losing weight if necessary, and limiting alcohol intake to help manage high triglyceride levels.
• Storage: Store TriCor at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep it out of reach of children.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of TriCor, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

It’s essential to use TriCor exactly as prescribed by your doctor to get the most benefit from the medication and to minimize the risk of side effects. If you have any questions or concerns about how to use TriCor, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Other uses for this medicine

Some potential off-label uses or additional uses of TriCor may include:

• Lowering LDL Cholesterol: While TriCor primarily targets triglycerides, it may also have some effect on lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol.
• Increasing HDL Cholesterol:TriCor can also increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “good” cholesterol. HDL helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Preventing Cardiovascular Events: TriCor may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke, especially in individuals with certain risk factors like diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be observed when taking TriCor. Here are some key considerations:

• Medical History: Before taking TriCor, inform your doctor about your complete medical history, including any allergies, liver disease, kidney disease, gallbladder disease, thyroid disorders, diabetes, or any other medical conditions you may have.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: TriCor should not be used during pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TriCor, inform your doctor immediately. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking TriCor, as it may pass into breast milk and harm the nursing infant.
• Interactions with Other Medications: TriCor may interact with other medications, including blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), statins (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin), bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine), and certain immunosuppressants. Inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Routine Monitoring: Regular monitoring of liver function tests and kidney function may be required while taking TriCor. Your doctor may also monitor lipid levels periodically to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Alcohol Use: Limit alcohol consumption while taking TriCor, as excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk of liver problems and may also worsen lipid abnormalities.
• Muscle Pain: Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness while taking TriCor, as this could be a sign of a serious side effect known as rhabdomyolysis.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and advice regarding the use of TriCor and any special precautions specific to your situation. If you have any concerns or questions, consult your healthcare provider.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Special Dietary Instructions for TriCor:

• Healthy Diet: Follow a healthy diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and simple carbohydrates while taking TriCor. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can provide guidance on dietary changes that can help manage high triglyceride levels.
• Alcohol Consumption: Limit alcohol consumption while taking TriCor, as excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk of liver problems and may also worsen lipid abnormalities.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Actions to Take if You Forget a Dose of TriCor:

• Take the Missed Dose: If you forget to take a dose of TriCor, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Do Not Double Dose: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Taking more medication than prescribed can increase the risk of side effects without providing additional benefits.
• Follow-Up: If you miss a dose of TriCor, continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

TriCor (fenofibrate) can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Some common side effects of TriCor include:

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: These may include stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.
• Muscle Pain and Weakness: Some individuals may experience muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or cramping. In rare cases, severe muscle problems such as rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue) can occur.
• Liver Problems: TriCor can affect liver function, leading to elevated liver enzyme levels in some people. Signs of liver problems include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, abdominal pain, or unexplained fatigue.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to TriCor are rare but can occur. Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
• Pancreatitis: In rare cases, TriCor may increase the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
• Blood Disorders: TriCor may affect blood cell counts, leading to conditions such as anemia (low red blood cell count), leukopenia (low white blood cell count), or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).
• Vision Changes: Some individuals may experience changes in vision while taking TriCor, such as blurred vision or difficulty focusing.
• Kidney Problems: TriCor can affect kidney function, leading to changes in urine output or color. In rare cases, kidney damage may occur.
• Gallstones: TriCor may increase the risk of developing gallstones, especially in individuals with pre-existing gallbladder disease.

It’s essential to report any unusual or severe side effects to your doctor promptly. In some cases, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication if side effects become bothersome or concerning. If you have a history of liver, kidney, or muscle problems, or if you experience any new symptoms while taking TriCor, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of TriCor:

• Storage: Store TriCor at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children and pets.
• Avoid Bathroom Storage: Do not store TriCor in the bathroom, as moisture and humidity can affect the medication’s potency.
• Proper Disposal: Dispose of expired or unused TriCor properly. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Check with your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for guidelines on safe disposal of medications.

In case of emergency/overdose

Emergency/Overdose Measures for TriCor:

• Seek Medical Help: If you suspect an overdose of TriCor or experience symptoms such as severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, weakness, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention or contact your local poison control center.
• No Specific Antidote: There is no specific antidote for TriCor overdose. Treatment will focus on supportive measures to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Your doctor may order regular blood tests to monitor your triglyceride levels, liver function, and kidney function while you are taking TriCor. Attend all scheduled appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations for monitoring.
• Lifestyle Changes: In addition to taking TriCor, adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight management, smoking cessation (if applicable), and limiting alcohol intake to optimize the effectiveness of the medication and reduce the risk of complications.
• Medical Alert: Inform all healthcare providers involved in your care (including dentists and specialists) that you are taking TriCor. Carry a medical alert card or wear a medical alert bracelet indicating that you are taking this medication in case of emergency.
• Follow-Up: Follow up with your doctor regularly to assess your response to TriCor treatment and discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
• Medication Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as TriCor may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, statins, and immunosuppressants.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and advice regarding the use of TriCor, storage, disposal, and what to do in case of emergency or overdose. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider.