Fenofibrate

Fenofibrate is a fibric acid derivative lipid-lowering agent medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Adjunct to diet for severe hypertriglyceridaemia, including when reducing very high triglycerides may help lower the risk of pancreatitis.
• Adjunct to diet for primary hypercholesterolaemia or mixed dyslipidaemia when treatment with a fibrate is considered appropriate.
• Used alongside lifestyle changes such as a lipid-lowering diet, weight management, exercise, and control of diabetes or hypothyroidism where relevant.

Adult dosing depends on the specific formulation, lipid levels, kidney function, and the prescriber’s treatment goal. Fenofibrate is commonly taken once daily, but some products should be taken with food while others may be taken with or without food; follow the exact instructions on the prescription and product label. The doctor may check fasting lipid levels, liver enzymes, and kidney function and adjust or stop treatment if the response is inadequate or adverse effects occur. Do not change the dose or combine it with other lipid medicines unless advised by a registered doctor.

• Common or less serious effects may include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion, headache, back pain, or mild increases in liver enzymes.
• Muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or dark urine may indicate myopathy or rhabdomyolysis and needs urgent medical advice, especially if used with a statin.
• Possible serious effects include liver injury, pancreatitis, gallstones or gallbladder inflammation, kidney function worsening, blood clots, severe skin reactions, and allergic reactions such as swelling or breathing difficulty.

Use Fenofibrate carefully in people with kidney impairment, older adults, diabetes, hypothyroidism, heavy alcohol use, a history of liver or gallbladder disease, or previous muscle problems. Liver function, kidney function, and lipid levels may need monitoring. Report unexplained muscle pain, weakness, fever, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain, or allergic symptoms promptly. Use this medicine only under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Statins and other medicines that can affect muscles may increase the risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
• Warfarin and other coumarin anticoagulants may have increased blood-thinning effect; INR monitoring and dose adjustment may be required.
• Cyclosporine or tacrolimus may increase the risk of kidney toxicity; kidney function should be monitored closely.
• Bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine or colestipol can reduce absorption; doses are usually separated by several hours.
• Colchicine may increase the risk of muscle toxicity.
• Excess alcohol can worsen triglycerides and increase liver or pancreatitis risk; limiting alcohol is advisable.

• Known hypersensitivity to fenofibrate, fenofibric acid, or any component of the product.
• Severe kidney impairment, including patients on dialysis.
• Active liver disease or persistent unexplained liver function abnormalities.
• Pre-existing gallbladder disease.
• Breastfeeding, because of potential risk to the infant.

During pregnancy, Fenofibrate should be used only if clearly needed and specifically advised by a doctor, as lipid-lowering treatment is usually not essential for most pregnant patients and safety data are limited. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for a short period after the final dose; discuss alternatives with the prescribing doctor.

Store at room temperature in a dry place, away from excess heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep in the original container, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.