Tricor (Fenofibrate Micronized)

Do’s

• Tricor is typically taken by mouth as directed by a healthcare provider, usually once daily. 
• Some forms of this medication should be taken with food, while others may be taken with or without food. Consult a healthcare provider to ensure correct usage for the greatest benefit.
• The dosage of Tricor is based on an individual's medical condition and response to treatment. Take this medication regularly to obtain the most benefit from it.
• If you are also taking certain other drugs to lower cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take Tricor at least 1 hour before or at least 4 to 6 hours after taking these medications. This is because these medications can bind to fenofibrate, preventing the body from fully absorbing the drug.
• It may take up to 2 months before the full benefit of Tricor is realized. Continue following your healthcare provider's advice about diet and exercise while taking this medication.

Don’ts

• This medication comes in different types of capsules and tablets which provide different amounts of the medication. Do not switch between different forms or brands of this medication unless directed by a healthcare provider. 
• Do not increase the dose or use this medication more often or for longer than prescribed, as this can increase the risk of side effects without accelerating the lowering of cholesterol/triglyceride levels.

• Abnormal liver function tests (e.g., increased ALT and/or AST)
• Respiratory disorder
• Abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Headache
• Increased creatine kinase concentrations
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Fever
• Chills
• Weakness
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the face or throat
• Severe skin reactions such as fever, sore throat, burning in the eyes, skin pain, and red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and individuals should consult a healthcare provider for comprehensive information on the potential side effects of Tricor. 

Additionally, seek emergency medical help if signs of an allergic reaction or severe skin reaction occur.

Fenofibrate at a dose equivalent to 145 mg of TRICOR was not shown to reduce coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality in a large, randomized controlled trial of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving Tricor and should continue this diet during treatment with Tricor.

The use of Tricor has not been evaluated in subjects with hepatic impairment.

There is no specific treatment for overdose with Tricor. General supportive care of the patient is indicated, including monitoring of vital signs and observation of clinical status, should an overdose occur. If indicated, elimination of unabsorbed drugs should be achieved by emesis or gastric lavage; usual precautions should be taken.

Patients should be advised to report promptly unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever. CPK levels should be assessed in patients reporting these symptoms, and Tricor therapy should be discontinued if markedly elevated CPK levels occur or myopathy/myositis is suspected or diagnosed.

Fenofibrate at doses equivalent to 96 mg to 145 mg Tricor per day has been associated with increases in serum transaminases (AST or ALT). Caution should be exercised when using Tricor in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, and it is contraindicated in those with severe renal impairment.

Elderly patients and patients with diabetes, hypothyroidism, or renal insufficiency are at increased risk for serious muscle toxicity. Tricor safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatrics.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions, and individuals should consult a healthcare provider for comprehensive information on the use of Tricor.