Chemical Name: FENOFIBRATE


Common uses

This medicine is a lipid lowering agent used along with your diet to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Before using

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (such as atorvastatin, lovastatin or simvastatin), high-dose niacin (1 gram or more per day), "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), medicine for diabetes (such as glyburide), cyclosporine, beta-blockers (such as propranolol or metoprolol), thiazide diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide), estrogens, or probenecid. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including muscle problems, low thyroid levels, diabetes, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of liver problems, primary biliary cirrhosis, gallbladder problems, or severe kidney problems. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. If you are also taking a bile acid sequestrant medicine (such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after the bile acid sequestrant. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is allowed. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function tests, lipid levels, blood counts, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, constipation, runny nose, or dizziness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience abdominal pain; unusual tiredness, sore throat, or fever; unusual bruising or bleeding; or joint pain. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; chest pain; coughing; or wheezing. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

FOLLOW THE DIETARY AND/OR EXERCISE PLAN provided by your doctor. LIMIT USE OF ALCOHOL. Excessive use of alcoholic beverages may worsen your condition. If you have any questions or concerns, ask your doctor or pharmacist. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.