Tricor
Fenofibrate
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Tricor
Tricor is a drug which causes lowering of lipids in blood. It acts by lowering elevated blood triglyceride levels by reducing triglycerides production in the liver and by increasing the elimination of triglycerides from the blood stream.
Therapeutic Uses of Tricor
Tricor is used for treatment (controlling) of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It is generally used in combination with diet. It is used in cardiovascular problems due to high cholesterol content like coronary artery disease (CAD).
Direction of use of Tricor
Use Tricor as directed by your doctor as follows:
- Tricor should be taken with meals to increase its effectiveness.
- Take Tricor at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking a bile acid binding resin like cholestyramine.
- Read the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions (if you have any doubt about correct dosing of Tricor).
If You Miss a Dose of Tricor
Tricor is a drug which has to be taken regularly for long duration (preferably life long) and if you miss a dose of Tricor, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time for missing a dose.
How to Store Tricor
Tricor should be stored at room temperature away from moisture, heat and sunlight, in a tightly closed container. Keep Tricor out of the reach of children.
More Information About Tricor
Tricor is to be used by the patient only for whom it is prescribed and not shared with others. There may not be much symptomatic improvement and you should not stop it if there is not much improvement of symptoms.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Tricor
Do not use Tricor if if you have any of the following medical problems and consult your doctor right away:
- If you have allergy to any of the ingredients of Tricor.
- If you are pregnant or if you are breast feeding.
- If you have any gallbladder problem, liver problem (including cirrhosis), or severe kidney problem.
Important notes about Tricor:
- Tricor may cause dizziness and drowsiness. You should not drive, operate machinery, or do any risky works which need constant monitoring and attention until you know how you react to Tricor.
- Using Tricor with certain other medicines or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks because of the effects of Tricor in the brain and you should not perform these tasks while taking Tricor.
- Do not use Tricor if you are pregnant. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Tricor during pregnancy. It is unknown if Tricor is excreted in breast milk, but do not breast-feed while taking Tricor without consulting your doctor.
- Tricor should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of it has not been confirmed.
- Follow very carefully the diet, exercise, and weight reduction programs given to you by your doctor or other health care provider while you are taking Tricor.
- Lab tests, like liver function test, kidney function test, blood cholesterol, and other blood tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Possible Adverse Effects of Tricor
- Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, flu syndrome; gas; headache, back pain, stomach pain, weakness etc. are the common and mild side effects of Tricor. If any of these common and mild side effects bother you or become persistent you should consult your doctor.
- Severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are rash; hives; difficulty in breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fever, inflammation of the pancreas (manifested by tenderness of stomach area, nausea, vomiting, fever, increased pulse rate etc.); running nose; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness are the serious side effects of Tricor. If any of the serious side effects of Tricor occurs, consult your doctor immediately.