Drug Detail:Fenofibric acid/fenofibrate (monograph) (Antara)
Generic Name: Fenofibrate and Derivatives Capsules [ fen-oh-FYE-brate-& dah-RIV-ah-tives ]
Drug Class:
Uses of Fenofibrate and Derivatives Capsules:
- It is used to lower triglycerides.
- It is used to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol (HDL).
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Fenofibrate and Derivatives Capsules?
- If you have an allergy to fenofibrate or any other part of this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules).
- If you are allergic to this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules); any part of this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Gallbladder disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or rise in liver enzymes.
- If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules). You may also need to avoid breast-feeding for some time after your last dose. Talk with your doctor to see if you need to avoid breast-feeding after your last dose.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Fenofibrate and Derivatives Capsules?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- If you take cholestyramine or colestipol, take them at least 4 hours before or 1 hour after this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules).
- Follow the diet and workout plan that your doctor told you about.
- Allergic reactions have happened with this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules). Rarely, some reactions can be very bad or life-threatening. Talk with the doctor.
- A severe and sometimes deadly reaction has happened. Most of the time, this reaction has signs like fever, rash, or swollen glands with problems in body organs like the liver, kidney, blood, heart, muscles and joints, or lungs. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
- If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules) with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules) while you are pregnant.
How is this medicine (Fenofibrate and Derivatives Capsules) best taken?
Use this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Some brands of this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules) are to be taken with food. Some brands may be taken with or without food. Ask your pharmacist if you need to take your brand with food.
- If you have trouble swallowing, talk with your doctor.
- Take with a full glass of water.
- Keep taking this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
- Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or dissolve.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take more than 1 dose in the same day, unless your doctor tells you to.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Signs of a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) like very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
- Signs of gallstones like sudden pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; yellow skin or eyes; or fever with chills.
- Very bad joint pain or swelling.
- Call your doctor right away if you have signs of a blood clot like chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; shortness of breath; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; or trouble speaking or swallowing.
- Very bad muscle problems have happened with this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules). This can also lead to kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you have muscle pain or weakness, especially if you feel very tired or weak or have a fever. Tell your doctor if you are not able to pass urine or you have a change in how much urine is passed.
- A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
- Low blood cell counts have happened with this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules). If blood cell counts get very low, this can lead to bleeding problems, infections, or anemia. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat; any unexplained bruising or bleeding; or if you feel very tired or weak.
What are some other side effects of Fenofibrate and Derivatives Capsules?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Headache.
- Back pain.
- Stomach pain.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Fenofibrate and Derivatives Capsules?
- Store at room temperature.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (fenofibrate and derivatives capsules), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.