Fenofibrate

Cholesterol

Also known as Tricor

Fenofibrate mainly lowers triglycerides — a blood fat that, when very high, can raise your risk of pancreatitis — and it nudges HDL ("good") cholesterol up. It's a different tool than a statin and is sometimes prescribed alongside one. It comes in several versions that aren't interchangeable, so if your pharmacy pill looks different, ask before assuming it's the same.

How to take it

When

Once daily, at the same time each day, exactly as prescribed.

Food

Some versions need to be taken with food to absorb properly and some don't — follow the label on your specific prescription.

Avoid

Heavy drinking — alcohol raises triglycerides and works against the medicine, and it's harder on your liver.

With a statin

If you take a statin too, pay extra attention to muscle pain or weakness — the combination raises the risk of muscle problems.

Missed a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless your next dose is coming up soon — in that case, skip it. Never double up.

Common side effects

Stomach upset or nausea
Headache
Muscle aches
Back pain
Runny or stuffy nose

Call a doctor if

Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness — especially with fever or dark, cola-colored urine — call your doctor now.
Severe pain in your upper right belly or between your shoulder blades, especially after eating — this can be gallstones. Call your doctor.
Severe stomach pain radiating to your back with nausea — possible pancreatitis. Get help now.
Yellowing skin or eyes, or dark urine — call your doctor right away.

Educational only. This summary is drawn from public FDA labeling and MedlinePlus and simplified for readability. Your prescription label and your pharmacist always come first — doses and instructions vary from person to person.