Brand name : FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor)
Pronounced: TRY-core
Generic name: Fenofibrate
Other brand name: Lofibra
Why is FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) prescribed?

FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) is used, along with a special diet, to treat people with very high levels of triglycerides (a fatty substance in the blood). FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) also improves cholesterol levels by lowering total cholesterol--including "bad" LDL cholesterol--and raising "good" HDL cholesterol. It works by promoting the dissolution and elimination of fat particles in the blood.

FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) is usually added to a treatment regimen only when other measures have failed to produce adequate results. Often, diet and exercise are enough to bring blood fats under control. Likewise, it's sometimes sufficient to simply treat an underlying problem such as diabetes, underactive thyroid, kidney disease, liver dysfunction, or alcoholism. And in some cases, just discontinuing a medication is enough to do the job. For instance, certain water pills and "beta-blocker" heart medications are capable of causing a massive increase in triglyceride levels. Estrogen replacement therapy is another potential culprit.

Whatever your other treatment measures may be, it's important to remember that FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) is intended to supplement them, rather than replace them outright. To get the full benefit of FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor), you need to stick to the diet, exercise program, and other treatments your doctor prescribes. All these efforts to keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels normal are important because together they may lower your risk of heart disease. If you're judged to be at high risk of heart disease, current guidelines call for considering drug therapy when LDL levels reach 130. For people at lower risk, the cut-off is 160. For those at little or no risk, it's 190.
Most important fact about FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor)

Drugs such as FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) have caused rare cases of a muscle-wasting disease called rhabdomyolysis. The chances of this problem rise dramatically when FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) is combined with another type of cholesterol-lowering drug called "statins." Among these drugs are Altocor, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor. Avoid combining FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) with any of them unless your doctor feels it's absolutely necessary. Inform the doctor immediately if you develop muscle pain or weakness, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by fatigue or fever: You'll probably have to stop taking FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor).
How should you take FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor)?

FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) should be taken with meals. If you've also been prescribed a cholesterol-lowering drug such as Questran or Colestid, take FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after the other drug to make sure FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) is properly absorbed.

If you miss a dose:

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Storage instructions:

Store at room temperature and protect from moisture.
FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor).

* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, back pain, headache, respiratory disorders

Why should FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) not be prescribed?

You should not take FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) if you have liver or gallbladder disease, or severe kidney problems. You'll also have to avoid FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) if it gives you an allergic reaction.
Special warnings about FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor)

FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) has the potential to cause gallstones. Your doctor will discontinue the drug if gallstones develop.

FIBRAL (Fenofibrate, Lofibra, Tricor) may also affect liver function. Your doctor should perform periodic blood tests to monitor the health of your liver.

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