Fenofibrate Information

FENOFIBRATE (fen oh FYE brate) can help lower blood fats and cholesterol for people who are at risk of getting inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) from having very high amounts of fats in their blood. This medicine is only for patients whose blood fats are not controlled by diet.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -gallbladder disease -heart disease -kidney disease -liver disease -an unusual or allergic reaction to fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives -pregnant or trying to get pregnant -breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take chipped or broken tablets. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications: -bile acid resins like cholestyramine, colesevelam, and colestipol -certain medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin -certain medicines for diabetes, like glipizide or glyburide -certain medicines that suppress the body's immune response like cyclosporine and tacrolimus -certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin -colchicine -ezetimibe -supplements like red yeast rice

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your blood fat levels and other tests will be measured from time to time. This medicine is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your health care professional or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule. If you are diabetic, close regulation and monitoring of your blood sugars can help your blood fat levels. This medicine may change the way your diabetic medicine works and sometimes will require that your dosages be adjusted. Check with your doctor or health care professional. This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. This medicine may cause a decrease in vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: -allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue -blurred vision -bruising -fever with rash, swollen lymph nodes, or swelling of the face -redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth -signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills, cough, or sore throat -signs and symptoms of muscle injury like dark urine, trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine, unusually weak or tired, muscle pain, or side or back pain -stomach pain -yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): -constipation -diarrhea -dizziness -headache -nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store the tablets in the original container at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.