Cholesterol Lowering - Lipirex (Brand name: tricor)

Common use

Tricor contains active substance fenofibrate. In the tissues it turns into the active metabolite: fenofibric acid. In combination with a diet it is used to treat people with very high levels of triglycerides in the blood or lipid disorders. The drug increases activity of lipoprotein lipase, catabolism of triglycerides in the very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), accelerates transfer of cholesterol from atherogenic the very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) to the antiatherogenic high-density lipoproteins (HDL), decreases synthesis of VLDL.

Dosage and direction

Take orally 160 mg of Tricor three times a day as initial dose to treat high cholesterol levels or a combination of high cholesterol and high triglycerides. For treatment of high triglyceride levels
the starting dose of Tricor is 54-160 mg a day. It may be gradually increased every 4-8 weeks up to maximal dose of Tricor 160 mg a day if triglycerides do not improve.

Precautions

Activity of transaminases should be monitored on a regular basis in the patients taking Tricor. If blood tests for ALT increase 2 and more times and accompaigned by myalgia and muscle weakness, treatment with Tricor should be discontinued. Tricor treatment combined with a hypolipidemic diet should be exercised only under control of a doctor and and continue for a long period of time. Tricor has the potential to cause gallstones.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the components of Tricor.

Possible side effect

Cholelithiasis, increased levels of transaminases and creatine kinase, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, myalgia, myositis, rhabdomyolysis (is the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle due to injury to muscle tissue), acute renal failure, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, back pain, fatigue, impotence, skin rash. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Drug interaction

Inform your doctor about all prescribed and over-the-counter medication you are currently taking and especially about "blood thinners" (warfarin), cyclosporine (cholesterl-lowering drug), MAO inhibitors (selegiline, furazolidone, tranylcypromine, phenelzine, moclobemide), diabetic medicine (glipizide, insulin), estrogens/birth control pills, "statins" (lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin) and high-dose niacin (1 gram or more per day). Combined with Tricor the two last types of drugs may cause muscle injury (myopathy).

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usual dose next day at the same  time regularly.

Overdose

Any drug taken in excess may be dangerous. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical help.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 F (15-25 C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.