Nowadays, a problem that many people have, regardless of age, is the increase in the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. So, your doctor may have prescribed you a medicine called Fenofibrate as a treatment for this condition. When you hear the name of this medicine, you may be a little scared, curious, or have a lot of questions. It is normal to think things like "Does this really lower cholesterol?", "Are there any side effects?" So don't be afraid, today we will talk very simply, as if we were talking to a friend, about what Fenofibrate is, how it works in our body, and what things to be careful about when using it.
Simply put, what is Fenofibrate?
Fenofibrate is a special medicine that is used to control the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. It belongs to a group of medicines called `Fibrates`.
Think of our blood vessels as pipes that carry water. When cholesterol builds up, it builds up inside these pipes, obstructing the flow of blood. It's like dirt clogging a water pipe. Fenofibrate works by controlling this process.
That means,
- Reduces "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides: These are what deposit in our blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Increases "good" cholesterol (HDL): This good cholesterol helps to carry bad cholesterol that has accumulated in the blood vessels to the liver for removal.
But one thing must be kept in mind. This medicine alone cannot control cholesterol. A good diet and regular exercise are both essential parts of this treatment.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting Fenofibrate, it is very important that your doctor has a complete picture of your health. Because some medical conditions require more caution when using this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Situation you need to report | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | The dosage may need to be adjusted because there may be problems with the elimination of the medication through the kidneys. |
| Liver disease | Fenofibrate may affect liver function, so it may not be suitable if you already have liver disease. |
| Gallbladder disease | This medicine may slightly increase the risk of gallstone formation. |
| Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) | Problems can occur with some diabetes medications, and blood sugar levels must be monitored regularly. |
| Low thyroid function | Because this condition affects cholesterol levels, it is important to keep it under control. |
| Taking medication to prevent blood clots (e.g. Warfarin) | Fenofibrate may increase the effects of blood-thinning medications, which may increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In such cases, it is imperative to inform the doctor as the safety of this medication has not been confirmed. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | Be aware of the possibility of an allergy to Fenofibrate or any of its ingredients. |
What is the correct way to take the medicine?
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Swallow the capsule whole: Do not break, crush, or chew this medicine like chewing gum. Swallow the capsule whole with a little water.
- Take it at the same time every day: As much as possible, try to take your medicine at the same time every day. If you take it in the morning, take it in the morning every day, and if you take it at night, take it at the same time every day. This will help keep the medicine's effects in your body at the same level.
- With or without food?: This is a bit of a trade-off. Some types of Fenofibrate can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset or heartburn, it is best to take it with a meal. However, some types of Fenofibrate must be taken with food . So, ask your doctor exactly how to take the type you are prescribed.
- If you are taking other cholesterol medications: If you are taking another cholesterol medication in the ``(bile acid sequestrants)`` class, such as Cholestyramine or Colesevelam, do not take these two together. Fenofibrate should be taken one hour before or 4 to 6 hours after taking the other medication.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
We can all forget to take our medicine. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I accidentally drink too much?
If you accidentally take more than the prescribed dose, do not panic and immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to be aware of and side effects when taking medication
Like any medicine, Fenofibrate can cause some side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Although most of the time they are not serious, there are some symptoms that we should be especially aware of.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately or go to a hospital. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Muscle injury | Severe muscle pain that occurs for no reason, extreme fatigue, and dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and tarry stools. |
| Pancreatitis | Severe pain in the upper abdomen, radiating to the back, fever, nausea, and vomiting. |
| Blood clot | Sudden pain in a leg, swelling, redness, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Severe skin reactions | Redness of the skin, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth), fever and swollen lymph nodes. |
| Symptoms that usually come and go, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
|---|---|
| Back pain | Headache |
| Constipation | Runny nose or stuffy nose, such as from a cold |
Other things to consider
- Be careful with the sun: Your skin may be slightly sensitive to sunlight while taking this medication. So, when going out in strong sunlight, apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and wear clothing that covers your body.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (medicines for other conditions, vitamins, herbal remedies, supplements). Especially other cholesterol medications like Atorvastatin and Simvastatin, blood thinners like Warfarin, diabetes medications, Cyclosporine, and Colchicine may interact with Fenofibrate.
- Vitamin B12: Rarely, long-term use of this medication may cause low vitamin B12 levels. Talk to your doctor about this and seek advice if necessary.
How to keep medicine safe?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius), away from moisture and direct sunlight, and in an airtight container.
- Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly. You can take the expired medication capsules out of the bottle, mix them with something like used tea leaves or coffee grounds, put them in a small bag, seal it well, and throw it in the trash. Do not flush medications down the toilet for any reason. Ask your doctor for more advice on this.
Take-Home Message
- Fenofibrate is a medication that controls cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but it is most effective only when combined with a healthy diet and exercise .
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any medications you are taking .
- Swallow the capsule whole. Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as directed by your doctor.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience sudden severe muscle pain, yellowing of the eyes/skin, severe stomach pain, or severe allergic symptoms.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never give it to others , even if they have the same symptoms you have.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න