Other Brands/Names

Evothyl, Lipanthyl, Felosma, Lipanthyl Penta, Fenofibrat, Lipanthyl Supra, Fenolip,Lipofibrat, Fenosup Lidose, Lotropid, Fibesco, Noles, Fibramed, Profibrat, Hicholfen, Trichol,Hipolip, Trolip, Hipolip, Yosenob, Hyperchol, Zumafib, Lifen, Zumafib Micro.

How It Works

Fenofibrate is a medication from the fibric acid derivative class, used to manage cholesterol problems, particularly hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia. It works by blocking the activity of the enzyme lipoprotein lipase, which leads to greater fat breakdown and reduced triglyceride levels in the blood.

In addition, fenofibrate promotes the breakdown of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as “bad cholesterol.” This effect lowers total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), while simultaneously increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the “good cholesterol.”

Indications

This medication is used to treat patients with very high cholesterol levels.

Contraindications

Fenofibrate should not be used in the following situations:

• History of hypersensitivity to fenofibrate or related medicines

• Acute liver disease (including primary biliary cirrhosis, abnormal liver function, gallbladder disease)

• Pancreatitis not caused by high triglycerides

• Allergy to fibrates or dexketoprofen

• Severe kidney impairment

• Breastfeeding women

Side Effects

Possible side effects of fenofibrate, listed from more significant to less severe, include:

• Serious effects: gallstones, marked reduction in HDL cholesterol, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, severe allergic skin reactions (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms), myositis, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, pancreatitis, photosensitivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and elevated serum creatinine, ALT, or AST levels.

• Digestive system: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation.

• General conditions: fatigue.

• Liver and bile system: jaundice, cholangitis, cholecystitis, biliary colic.

• Laboratory findings: elevated blood homocysteine levels.

• Muscle and bone system: muscle pain, cramps, weakness, joint pain.

• Nervous system: headache.

• Reproductive system: sexual dysfunction.

• Respiratory system: interstitial lung disease.

• Skin: rash, itching, hives.

Types

This medication is available in capsules with strengths of 100 mg, 160 mg, and 300 mg.

Dosage

Adults: Initial dose is 300 mg daily in divided doses. Usual maintenance dosage ranges from 200–400 mg per day.

Children: 5 mg/kg of body weight daily.

Safety

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Fenofibrate is classified as category C. Animal studies have shown potential harm to the fetus, but there are no adequate studies in humans. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the possible risks.

Drug Interactions

Use with anticoagulants may increase the risk of bleeding. Additionally, the combination with tacrolimus or cyclosporine can raise the risk of kidney problems.

Taken with colchicine, it may heighten the chance of muscle-related side effects such as myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

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