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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Fenofibrate

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Fenofibrate

  • Take fenofibrate during a meal.
  • Follow carefully any lifestyle advice you have been given such as stopping smoking, avoiding drinking too much alcohol, eating a healthy diet and taking exercise.
  • If you experience any muscle swelling, weakness or pain, particularly in your legs, speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

About fenofibrate

Type of medicineFibrate lipid-regulating drug
Used forHyperlipidaemia (high levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood)
Also calledLipantil® Micro
Supralip®
Available asCapsules and tablets

Fenofibrate is used to control the levels of cholesterol and other lipids (fats) in the blood if other treatments are not suitable. Lipids are made naturally in the body and are also absorbed from the food we eat. If levels of lipids in the blood are too high, they can stick to the walls of blood vessels. Eventually this leads to a narrowing of the blood vessels and can even block them completely.

High levels of lipids do not make people feel ill but can cause problems if left untreated. By lowering the level of cholesterol and other fats in the blood, fenofibrate helps prevent any long-term effects caused by fat building up in blood vessels, such as heart disease.

Before taking fenofibrate

Before taking fenofibrate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have gall bladder problems or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
  • If you have thyroid problems.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to another fibrate (such as bezafibrate, ciprofibrate or gemfibrozil) or if you have had a skin reaction to the medicine ketoprofen (used to treat pain and swelling).

How to take fenofibrate

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take fenofibrate exactly as your doctor has told you.
  • Take your dose during a meal.
  • Try to take fenofibrate at the same time(s) each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Treatment with fenofibrate is usually lifelong.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. You will need to have blood tests every few months, particularly when you first start fenofibrate.
  • Follow carefully any advice you have been given about a healthy diet and taking exercise.
  • If you are a smoker, ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to stop. Smoking tends to increase your lipid levels.
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol while you are being treated with fenofibrate as alcohol can increase your cholesterol levels.
  • Fenofibrate may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen that protects against UVA light and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, especially in strong sunlight or until you know how your skin reacts. Do not use sunbeds.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with fenofibrate.

Can fenofibrate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Indigestion, abdominal pain, wind, feeling or being sickStick to simple or bland foods - avoid rich or spicy foods
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller
Vertigo (spinning sensation), tiredness, itching and skin rashIf any of these become troublesome, let your doctor know

Important: If you have any unusual aches, pains, swelling or tenderness in your muscles, contact your doctor straight away.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store fenofibrate

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

  • If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3309DocRef: dils2255Last Reviewed: 17 Mar 2011Version: 22
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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