Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Fenofibric Acid?
Fenofibric acid helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood. High levels of these types of fat in the blood are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).
Fenofibric acid is sometimes given together with other cholesterol-lowering medications.
Fenofibric acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to fenofibric acid or fenofibrate, or if you have:
- severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- liver disease; or
- gallbladder disease.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 5 days after your last dose.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease;
- liver disease; or
- gallbladder problems.
Fenofibric acid can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in older adults, or people who have kidney disease, diabetes, or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Fenofibric acid is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use Fenofibric Acid
Use Fenofibric Acid (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take fenofibric acid with or without food.
Swallow the tablet or capsule whole and do not crush, chew, dissolve, or open it.
You may need frequent medical tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.
Fenofibric acid is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Fenofibric Acid side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).
In rare cases, fenofibric acid can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
- sharp stomach pain spreading to your back or shoulder blade;
- loss of appetite, stomach pain just after eating a meal;
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- fever, chills, weakness, sore throat, mouth sores, unusual bruising or bleeding;
- chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or
- swelling, warmth, or redness in an arm or leg.
Common side effects may include:
- runny nose, sneezing; or
- abnormal laboratory tests.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Fenofibric Acid?
Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or fenofibric acid will not be as effective.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.