Fenofibrate helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood. High levels of these types of fat in the blood are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).

Fenofibrate is used to treat high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels.

Fenofibrate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

You should not use fenofibrate if you are allergic to it, or if you have liver disease, gallbladder disease, severe kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis.
Do not take fenofibrate if you are breast-feeding a baby

You should not use fenofibrate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

•    liver disease;
•    severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
•    gallbladder disease; or
•    if you are breast-feeding a baby.

To make sure fenofibrate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

•    kidney disease;
•    diabetes;
•    heart disease;
•    a thyroid disorder; or
•    a history of pancreatitis or liver disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fenofibrate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication
Fenofibrate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Take fenofibrate exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Some brands of fenofibrate should be taken with meals to help your body better absorb the medicine. Other brands may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your medicine label.

Use fenofibrate regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

If you also take cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol: these other medicines should be taken at least 1 hour after or 4 hours before you take fenofibrate.
Fenofibrate is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

While using fenofibrate, you may need frequent blood tests at your doctor's office. Your liver and gallbladder function may also need to be tested.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention.

If you also take cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol: Wait 4 to 6 hours after taking any of these other medicines before you take fenofibrate. Avoid taking fenofibrate within 1 hour before taking the other medicine.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking fenofibrate

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to fenofibrate: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, fenofibrate can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Stop using fenofibrate and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or
• Pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.

Common fenofibrate side effects may include:

• mild stomach pain;
• back pain;
• headache; or
• runny or stuffy nose

Fenofibrate dosing information: Once daily.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with fenofibrate, especially:

• other cholesterol lowering medicines;
• colchicine;
• drugs that weaken immune system such as cancer medicine, steroids, and medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with fenofibrate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Less common
•    Chills or fever
•    hives, itching, or skin rash
•    muscle aches and pains
•    nausea or vomiting

Rare
•    Chronic indigestion
•    dark urine
•    muscle cramps, pain, stiffness, swelling, or weakness
•    troubled breathing
•    unusual bleeding or bruising
•    unusual tiredness
•    yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known
•    Agitation
•    bloating
•    bloody urine
•    decreased frequency or amount of urine
•    lower back or side pain
•    pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
•    swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
•    swollen joints
•    upper right abdominal or stomach pain

Some of the side effects that can occur with fenofibrate may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:

More common
•    Runny nose
•    sneezing
•    stuffy nose

Less common
•    Back pain
•    diarrhea
•    eye irritation
•    gas
•    increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

Incidence not known
•    Lack or loss of strength