TriCor

This page contains drug information on TriCor.
The information provided includes the following:
what is TriCor
the possible side effects of TriCor
what happens if you miss a dose of TriCor
what happens if you overdose with TriCor
the most important information about TriCor
how to use TriCor
other drugs that may affect TriCor
what to avoid while using TriCor
 
Generic Name: fenofibrate (fen oh FIH brate)
Brand Names: Antara, Lofibra, TriCor, Triglide
 
What is the most important information I should know about tricor?
 •  Rarely, treatment with tricor has been associated with a serious side effect affecting the muscles. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual or unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if accompanied by fever or a "flulike" feeling.
 •  Avoid alcohol or use it only in moderation while taking tricor. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, and it can be damaging to the liver while you are taking tricor.
 •  Follow any special diet and exercise plan recommended by your doctor while taking this medication. Diet and exercise are important factors in controlling cholesterol.

What is tricor?
 •  tricor is a fibric acid derivative. tricor helps reduce types of fat in the blood. tricor is especially good at lowering triglycerides and a form of cholesterol called very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). High levels of these types of fat in the blood are associated with an increased chance of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can result in severe stomach pain and even death.
 •  
 •  tricor is used to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood.
 •  tricor may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tricor?
 •  Before taking tricor, tell your doctor if you have
      · liver disease,
      · biliary cirrhosis,
      · kidney disease,
      · gallbladder disease,
      · hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), or
      · diabetes.
 •  You may not be able to take tricor, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  tricor is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether tricor will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take tricor without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
 •  tricor should not be used by nursing mothers. Do not take tricor without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take tricor?
 •  Take tricor exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with a full glass of water.
 •  tricor can be taken with or without food.
 •  It is important to take tricor regularly to get the most benefit.
 •  Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with tricor to monitor progress and side effects.
 •  Store tricor at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
 •  Symptoms of a tricor overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking tricor?
 •  Follow any diet or exercise plan outlined by your doctor. Diet and exercise are important factors in controlling cholesterol.
 •  Avoid alcohol or use it only in moderation while taking tricor. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, and it can be damaging to the liver while you are taking tricor.

What are the possible side effects of tricor?
 •  Rarely, treatment with tricor has been associated with a serious side effect affecting the muscles. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual or unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if accompanied by fever or a "flulike" feeling.
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking tricor and contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
      · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives)
      · severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
      · fever.
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take tricor and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · joint pain
      · indigestion
      · bloating or flatulence or
      · a rash.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect tricor?
 •  Before taking tricor, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
      · an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin)
      · cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
      · lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol), atorvastatin (Lipitor), or cerivastatin (Baycol) or
      · cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid).
 •  You may not be able to take tricor, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the drugs listed above.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tricor. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.