What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Blood clots
-Gallbladder disease
-High blood sugar (diabetes)
-Kidney disease
-Liver disease
-Low thyroid levels
-Take medications that treat or prevent blood clots
-An unusual or allergic reaction to fenofibrate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-Breast-feeding
What may interact with this medication?
This medication may interact with the following:
-Bile acid sequestrants like cholestyramine, colesevelam, and colestipol
-Certain medications for cholesterol like atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin
-Certain medications for diabetes, like glipizide or glyburide
-Certain medications that suppress the body's immune response like cyclosporine and tacrolimus
-Colchicine
-Ezetimibe
-Supplements like red yeast rice
-Warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Ask your care team if there are other changes you can make to improve your overall health.
Your care team may tell you to stop taking this medication if you develop muscle problems. If your muscle problems do not go away after stopping this medication, contact your care team.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
This medication may cause a decrease in vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough B12 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.