Fenofibrate tablets for cholesterol control - Everything you need to know!

Has your doctor told you that your cholesterol and triglyceride levels are high? Then you may have been prescribed a medication called Fenofibrate. Many people are not sure about this medication. So today we will talk about it. Let's try to understand it simply, as if it were advice from a friend.

What kind of medicine is Fenofibrate?

Simply put, Fenofibrate is a medicine that helps control high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. It belongs to a group of drugs called 'fibrates'.

There are "good" cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol in our blood.

• Bad cholesterol: This is what we call LDL and triglycerides. When these are high, they can build up in the blood vessels and clog them. This is what causes serious diseases like heart attacks and strokes.
• Good cholesterol: This is called HDL. It carries bad cholesterol from the blood vessels to the liver and removes it from the body.

Fenofibrate works by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides and increasing good cholesterol (HDL). But remember, taking this medicine alone is not enough. In addition to this, it is definitely important to have a good diet and exercise .

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before prescribing Fenofibrate to you, your doctor will ask you some questions. But if you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor. Don't hide anything, because it's for your own safety.

• If you have previously had blood clots .
• If you have gallbladder disease .
• If you have diabetes .
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have liver disease .
• If the thyroid gland is underactive (low thyroid levels).
• If you are taking medication to prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin).
• If you have an allergic reaction to Fenofibrate or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.

Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or whether the dosage needs to be changed.

How should I use the medicine?

This is also very important. To get the most out of the medicine, you need to use it correctly.

• Take your medicine every day , exactly as your doctor prescribed, at the scheduled time . Do not change the time.
• Do not break or crush the tablet, do not chew it . Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• Do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to. Even if you feel better, you should continue taking the medicine.
• Some types of Fenofibrate can be taken with or without food. However, if you have an upset stomach, take it with a meal . Some types must be taken with food . So, ask your doctor exactly how to take the type you are given.
• If you are taking 'bile acid sequestrants' such as Cholestyramine and Colesevelam for cholesterol, do not take Fenofibrate at the same time. Take the Fenofibrate tablet one hour before or 4-6 hours after taking the other medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Yes, it can happen. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

Things to consider when taking Fenofibrate

• Regular medical checkups: Be sure to go to your doctor's appointments. He or she will need to do blood tests to check your cholesterol levels.
• Serious skin reactions: Some people may develop a serious skin reaction even weeks after starting this medicine. If you have a rash with symptoms such as fever or chills , if the rash turns red/purple and blisters, or if the skin is peeling, tell your doctor immediately. Also, if you have red patches on your skin with swelling of the face, lips, or a rash on your neck or armpits, this can be serious.
• Heart-healthy lifestyle: As we mentioned earlier, this is just one part of a complete program. Follow the diet your doctor gives you exactly. Stop drinking alcohol and smoking completely. Ask your doctor what kind of exercise is right for you and how long you should do it.
• Muscle pain: If you experience unexplained muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness, along with dark yellow/brown urine, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking the medication.
• Sun sensitivity: Your skin may be a little sensitive to sunlight while taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. If you do go outside, wear clothing that covers your skin and apply sunscreen.
• Vitamin B12: This medication may slightly decrease your vitamin B12 levels. Therefore, talk to your doctor about your diet and the types of vitamins you take.

What side effects can be expected?

Like any medication, Fenofibrate can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. It is important to be aware of these.

Overdose

If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .

Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)

Other medications you are taking may interact with Fenofibrate. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications, herbs, and vitamins you are taking. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Bile acid sequestrants: Cholestyramine, Colesevelam, Colestipol
• Other cholesterol medications: Statins such as Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, Simvastatin
• Some medications used for diabetes: Glipizide, Glyburide
• Immune-suppressing medications: Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus
• Colchicine (a medicine for gout)
• Ezetimibe (another cholesterol medication)
• Warfarin (a blood thinner)
• Supplements like red yeast rice

How do you keep your medicine safe?

• Keep out of reach of children and pets .
• Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius) away from moisture and keep the bottle tightly closed in an airtight container.
• Do not use expired medications . Dispose of them properly. Ask your doctor about the disposal method.