What is Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate)?
Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) helps reduce types of fat in the blood. Tricor is especially good at lowering triglycerides and a form of cholesterol called very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). High levels of these types of fat in the blood are associated with an increased chance of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can result in severe stomach pain and even death.
What Is Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) Used For?
Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate), previously available as capsules, is now approved in a tablet formulation. Generic Tricor tablets have been developed to assist patients in managing their cholesterol levels. The drug is indicated for use in reducing elevated LDL-C, Total-C, triglycerides and Apo-B and increasing HDL-C in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed lipidemia. The drug has also been approved as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, a disorder characterized by elevated levels of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in the plasma.
Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) Facts
Generic Tricor Capsules (Cap 200 mg)
Generic Tricor Tablets (Tab 160 mg)
Active Ingridients: fenofibrate
Inactive Ingredients: Each tablet contains hypromellose 2910 (3cps), docusate sodium, sucrose, sodium lauryl sulfate, lactose monohydrate, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, and magnesium stearate.
The tablet formulation has increased bioavailability relative to the capsule formulation. Plasma concentrations of fenofibric acid following administration of the 160 mg tablets are equivalent under fed conditions to the 200 mg capsules, respectively. Bioavailability of the 160 mg tablets is further enhanced by administration with food.
Class and Mechanism:
- Fenofibric acid, the metabolite of fenofibrate, activates peroxisomeproliferator-activated receptor alfa (PPARalfa).
- Fenofibrate increases lipolysis and elimination of TG-rich particles rom plasma by activating lipoprotein lipase and reducing production f apoprotein C-III (an inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase activity).
- The resulting fall in TG produces an alteration in the size and composition of LDL from small dense particles (which are thought to be atherogenic due to their susceptibility to oxidation) to large buoyant particles. Large buoyant particles have a greater affinity for cholesterol receptors and are catabolized rapidly.*
- In types IIa and IIb hyperlipidemia, LDL-C decreases; in type IV hyperlipidemia, LDL-C often increases.
- Activation of PPARalfa also induces an increase in the synthesis of apoproteins A-I and A-II, and HDL-C.
- Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) also reduces serum uric acid levels in hyperuricemic and normal individuals by increasing the urinary excretion of uric acid.
Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) Storage
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
How to take Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate)?
Take Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your dose each day at a regular time. You may take Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
If OVERDOSE
There is no specific treatment for overdose with Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate). General supportive care of the patient is indicated, including monitoring of vital signs and observation of clinical status, should an overdose occur. If indicated, elimination of unabsorbed drug should be achieved by emesis or gastric lavage; usual precautions should be observed to maintain the airway. Because fenofibrate is highly bound to plasma proteins, hemodialysis should not be considered.
What to do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose.
!!! Do not take double or extra doses.
Who should not take Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate)?
Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) is contraindicated in patients who exhibit hypersensitivity to fenofibrate.
Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) is contraindicated in patients with hepatic or severe renal dysfunction, including primary biliary cirrhosis, and patients with unexplained persistent liver function abnormality.
Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) is contraindicated in patients with preexisting
gallbladder disease
- Avoid alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor). It can make triglycerides higher.
- If you are on warfarin, you will require more frequent INR monitoring.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
- Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- abdominal pain
- cough or hoarseness
- dark yellow or brown urine
- fever or chills
- lower back or side pain
- muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
- nausea and vomiting
- pain or difficulty passing urine
- skin rash or skin-bruising
- sore throat that does not go away
- unusual tiredness
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- blurred vision
- constipation or mild diarrhea
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- headache
- increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light
- sexual dysfunction (loss of sexual desire - rare)
- stomach gas, heartburn or upset
Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) Drug Interactions
Generic Tricor (Fenofibrate) may interact with other drugs:
- other medications used to lower cholesterol, like cholestyramine,
atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin or
simvastatin
- medicines used to treat diabetes
- cyclosporine
- ursodiol
- warfarin
- red yeast rice
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
Additional Information
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.