Lipicard 160 mg (Fenofibrate 160mg)
What is Fenofibrate 160mg?
Lipicard is a cholesterol (LDL or bad cholesterol) and triglycerides (fatty acids) lowering drug. It increases the levels of (HDL or good cholesterol). Fenofibrate is prescribed along with a proper low fat diet to treat high cholesterol. Elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). Fenofibrate, by lowering the triglycerides may reduce the risk of pancreatitis in people with high blood triglyceride levels. However, this medication might not be able to prevent heart attack or stroke.
Fenofibrate belongs to a group of drugs known as ?fibrates?. It is sold under various trade names, some of which are Tricor, Lipicard (made by USV), and Fenolip (made by Cipla).
Important Information about Fenofibrate
• Do not take Fenofibrate (Tricor, Lipicard, Fenolip) if you are allergic to it, or if you have liver disease, gall bladder disease, severe kidney disease, if you are on dialysis, or if you are breast feeding a baby. You should let your doctor know if you have any of these conditions. Also let your doctor know if you have heart disease, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, or a history of pancreatitis or liver disease.
• Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking Fenofibrate. Inform your doctor immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine. These conditions may be a sign of breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue (Rhabdomyolysis) which is a rare side effect of this medication.
• Fenofibrate is an FDA pregnancy category C drug. It is not known whether this medication can harm an unborn baby if taken while being pregnant. Pregnant women must ask their doctor if it is safe to take this medication in their particular case. Fenofibrate can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor about the risk and benefits of using this medication while breast feeding.
Before taking Fenofibrate
Before taking Fenofibrate (Tricor, Lipicard, Fenolip), let your doctor know if you have heart disease, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, or a history of pancreatitis or liver disease.
How should I take Fenofibrate 160mg?
Take Fenofibrate strictly according to your doctor?s directions or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication. Fenofibrate may be taken with or without food. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place.
Fenofibrate 160mg is a part of a full line of treatment for blood pressure which includes diet restrictions, exercises, and other medicines. Follow a proper regimen of these things as directed by your doctor to keep your cholesterol levels in check. If you are also taking other cholesterol lowering drugs such as cholestyramine, colestipol, or colesevelam, take them at least 1 hour after or 4 hours before taking Fenofibrate.
What if I miss a dose?
If you happen to miss a dose of Fenofibrate, take it as soon as you remember it. Don?t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses at smaller intervals can cause overdose leading to severe symtpoms and conditions.
What if I overdose?
In case of an overdose of Fenofibrate, get emergency medical attention or call the Poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
Things and Activities to avoid while taking Fenofibrate
Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Fenofibrate. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for any other restrictions while using this medicine.
Common side effects
• Vomiting,
• Nausea,
• Acne-like rash,
• Back pain,
• Joint pain,
• Headache,
• Heartburn,
• Muscle pain,
• Weakness,
• Constipation,
Fenofibrate Dosing Information
Fenofibrate 160mg dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, s**, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor?s advice properly for best results.
Interaction with other drugs
Other drugs can interact with Fenofibrate 160mg. Some of them are blood thinner like warfarin, medicines to treat bowel disorder, immunosuppresors, antiviral medications, chemotherapy, pain or arthritis medications (aspirin), or injected antibiotics. However, these are not the only drugs that can interact with Fenofibrate. Inform your doctor in advance if you use any other medicines or related products. Never start a new medicine without proper medical advice.
Expert advice for Fenolip
• If you also take medicines such as cholestyramine or colestipol; make sure to take them at least 1 hour after or 4 hours before taking fenofibrate.
• Consult your doctor, if you have diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney or liver ailments.
• Do not take fenofibrate, if you are allergic to it or to any other ingredient in the medicine (lactose).
• Do not take Fenofibrate 160mg, if you are sensitive to sunlight.
• Do not take the medicine, if you are suffering from severe liver, kidney or pancreatic ailments (gall bladder disease, biliary cirrhosis, pancreatitis); if you have muscular disorders, large amount of protein in urine, water retention in the body (nephrotic syndrome), decreased albumin in the blood (hypoalbuminaemia) or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.
• Do not take the medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
FAQs
Q: Is fenofibrate the same as Lipitor?
A: Fenofibrate is a drug belonging to a different class of drugs called ?Fibrates?, whereas Lipitor (atorvastatin) belongs to the ?Statin? class. Both the medicines act by different mechanisms.
Q: Can I take fenofibrate with Lipitor, ibuprofen, niacin, Nyquil or crestor?
A: Taking fenofibrate with drugs from the statin class (e.g. Atorvastatin or Lipitor; rosuvastatin or crestor) may cause muscle breakdown. There is no significant drug interaction with ibuprofen, niacin or Nyquil. However, always consult your doctor before use.
Q: What is Fenofibrate 160mg?
A: Fenofibrate belongs to a class of drugs called as fibrates or fibric acid derivatives. It is different from statins, blood thinners, diuretic and nitrate.
Q: Is fenofibrate generic?
A: Yes, Fenofibrate 160mg is a generic drug sold under several pharmaceutical brand names (TriCor, Antara, Lofibra, Stanlip, Lipicard etc.).
