Are you worried about your cholesterol levels? Let's learn about Fenofibric Acid.

A problem that many people have these days is the increase in blood cholesterol levels. Especially the increase in the 'bad' cholesterol and triglycerides, which are fats that increase the risk of heart disease. So, your doctor may have prescribed you a medicine called Fenofibric Acid to control this condition. This is found in our country under brand names like Trilipix. Today, we will simply talk about this medicine, how to use it, things to be careful about, and side effects.

Simply put, what is Fenofibric Acid?

Fenofibric Acid is a medication that lowers the levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood. It also helps increase the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, which is good for our bodies.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before prescribing Fenofibric Acid to you, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:

• If you have diabetes .
• If you have gallbladder disease or stones.
• If you have heart disease .
• If you have previously had pancreatitis .
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have liver disease .
• If you have low thyroid levels .
• If you have an allergy to Fenofibrate or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a nursing mother .

Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not and the dosage to be given.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.

• Take it on time: Take this medicine at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.
• Swallow the capsule whole: Do not crush or crush this medicine, chew it like chewing gum . Swallow it whole with water.
• With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is better to take it with food.
• Don't stop: Don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to.
• If you are taking other medications: If you are taking another type of cholesterol-lowering medication (bile acid sequestrants), such as Cholestyramine, do not take these two medications at the same time. Take Fenofibric Acid one hour before or 4-6 hours after the other medication.

What if I drink too much kelinawath?

If you accidentally take too much medicine, do not panic and go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

It is very important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, as some things can interact with Fenofibric Acid.

• Other cholesterol medications like Cholestyramine, Colesevelam
• Statin cholesterol medications such as Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, Simvastatin
• Some medications for diabetes , such as Glipizide and Glyburide
• Immune-suppressing medications like Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus
• Colchicine (a medicine for gout)
• Ezetimibe (a drug that reduces cholesterol absorption)
• Nutritional supplements like red yeast rice
• Blood thinners like Warfarin

This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about everything you take, including herbs, vitamins, supplements, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol.

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

• Medical tests: See your doctor regularly to check your condition. You may need to have blood tests to check your liver function and cholesterol levels.
• Serious skin reactions: Some people may develop serious skin reactions weeks or months after starting this medicine. If you develop a red or purple rash on your skin, along with fever and body aches , which then blisters and peels off , seek medical advice immediately. Also, if you develop a red rash along with swollen lymph nodes in your face, lips, neck, or armpits, this is a serious sign.
• Muscle pain: If you experience unexplained muscle pain or weakness , especially if your urine turns dark (tea-colored) , tell your doctor. This could be a sign of muscle damage.
• Sun sensitivity: Your skin may be a little sensitive to the sun while taking this medicine. So avoid going out in strong sunlight. If you do go out, it is best to use a good sunscreen and wear clothing that covers your body .
• Vitamin B12: This medication may slightly decrease your vitamin B12 levels. Talk to your doctor about your diet and the types of vitamins you take.

How do you keep your medicine safe?

Medicine is something that needs to be handled with care.

• Keep away from children and pets.
• Store at room temperature, in a place free from moisture, with the mouth tightly closed to prevent air from escaping.
• Ask your doctor how to dispose of expired or unwanted medications. If you are throwing them in the trash, it is best to remove the pills from their capsules, mix them with something like used tea leaves or coffee grounds, and place them in a tightly sealed bag.

Fenofibric Acid, Trilipix, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Heart Disease, Drug Side Effects, Sri Lanka