Fenofibrate
Uses
Fenofibrate is used in the treatment of increased triglycerides levels in blood and increased cholesterol levels in blood.
How it Works
Fenofibrate works by promoting the dissolution and elimination of fat particles in the blood. Fenofibrate is used to treat people with very high levels of triglycerides and Fenofibrate is also used to improve cholesterol levels by lowering total cholesterol - including bad LDL cholesterol, and raising good HDL cholesterol. Fenofibrate is used alongside a good diet and exercise plan.Fenofibrate works by stimulating the formation of enzymes for triglyceride metabolism, which in turn lowers the levels of triglyceride and cholesterol in the body.
Common Side effects
Patients who take Fenofibrate may suffer from such side effects;
Increased liver enzymes,
Nausea,
Vomiting,
Back pain,
Flatulence,
Abdominal pain,
Diarrhoea
Introduction
Tricor is the or brand name for Fenofibrate, that is mostly used in treating cholesterol-related diseases or conditions. The generic name of Tricor is fenofibrate. This drug functions by means of reducing the cholesterol level in the blood. As cholesterol level increases in the blood stream, it is more likely to clog the arteries, eventually blocking the normal flow of blood in the body. Hypercholesterolemia and high triglycerides are often associated with the increase in cholesterol. This drug helps lower the elevation of triglycerides. It is also important to have a low cholesterol diet while on this therapy to supplement the efficacy of the drug. The manufacturer of this medicine is CIPLA. Popular trade names are FENOLIP and Ripicard. This medication is approved to be safe for use to patient with hypertriglyceridemia.
Composition
Tricor drug has fenofibrate, a lipid regulator, as its main component. This is solid, white in color, comes in capsule form and is water soluble. It also contains inactive ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulphate, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate, and crospovidone. Being in capsule form, this drug with strength ranging 145 mg, 160 mg and 200 mg is to be taken orally.
Use
This medication is used as an adjunct therapy to disease conditions such as excess in cholesterol level in the body. Among these disease conditions are severe hypertriglyceridemia, mixed lipidemia, and primary hypercholesterolemia. It is widely used in disease affecting the heart due to increase in lipid and cholesterol level.
Dosage and administration
It is important to be put on a low lipid diet regimen before starting any Tricor therapy. This drug is taken orally and can be taken on an empty stomach. For patients with mixed dyslipidemia or hypercholesterolemia, the starting dosage is Tricor 145 mg to be given once a day. In the case of severe hypertriglyceridemia, the starting dose is 48 mg to 145 mg a day. However, dosage can gradually increase or decrease depending on the patient's response to treatment. For patients with impaired renal function, a 48 mg of Tricor once a day dose can be initiated. For elderly patients, kindly ask the doctors as this may vary depending on the severity of the disease condition. This drug is supplied in tablet form. The predominant colors are yellow and white.
Contraindication
Using this drug therapy is highly discouraged to patients who have renal impairment and patients undergoing dialysis. Cirrhosis and liver disease patients are not encouraged to take this drug as well. If you have a gallbladder disease, then this drug therapy is not for you. Patients with hypersensitivity reaction to any of the component of the drug are highly discouraged to use this drug therapy.
Important Precautions
It is a must to tell your health care provider if you have underlying disease conditions such as heart disease, diabetes of any type, either insulin dependent or noninsulin dependent, gallbladder or thyroid problems because medication or drug therapy used in these disease conditions can greatly affect the action of Tricor. Pregnant and lactating mothers are also requested to take high precautions when taking this drug.
Side effects
The most common side effects of the use of this drug involve the respiratory system such as rhinitis, cough, and colds. General body weakness can also be felt during this treatment. Occasionally, you will experience back pain, headache, pain in the abdomen, nausea, and vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. However, you need to seek prompt medical attention if you are experiencing dyspnea or difficulty breathing, joint swelling especially in the ankle, chest pain, irregular heart beat, and chest tightness.
Storage
Store the medication at a room temperature away from moisture and light. Do not place the medicine in the bathroom. Discard the drug properly once expiration date is reached. Keep it away from children and pets