Fenofibrate - oral

Fenofibrate helps lower your cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood.

Excessive cholesterol and triglycerides in your body can clog up your blood vessels. This can lead to many health problems such as stroke and heart diseases, including heart attack.

Fenofibrate is meant to be taken as part of a complete cholesterol management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different brands of Fenofibrate may be taken differently. Try to take it at the same time each day.

This medicine is available as a tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet or capsule.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.

Fenofibrate must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take Fenofibrate if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• liver disease
• gall bladder disease
• inflammation of the pancreas not caused by high fat levels in the blood
• severe kidney disease

as Fenofibrate may not be suitable for you.

Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Do not take this medicine if you ever had a skin sensitivity reaction from sunlight/UV light to similar medicines such as ketoprofen (medicine for pain and inflammation) or other fibrates.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• diabetes
• personal or family history of muscle disorders
• thyroid disease e.g. underactive thyroid
• low level of albumin in the blood
• at risk of developing blood clots
• mild to moderate kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.

Be sure to check with your doctor before giving this medicine to the elderly.

Notify your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker.

For as long as you are taking Fenofibrate, you will need to have regular blood tests (e.g. blood counts, lipid profile, liver and kidney function) to monitor your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.

What lifestyle changes should I make to reduce my cholesterol levels?

A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are keys to helping you reduce your cholesterol levels. Try to control the type and amount of food that you eat each meal. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet and avoid eating fried foods or foods that are high in fat. If you have not been exercising, start slow and gradually step up your exercise capacity.

Fenofibrate may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, stomach wind, rash, itching, and sensitivity to light.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• persistent muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps, weakness or numbness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• severe stomach pain
• signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
• pain, swelling and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth
• signs and symptoms of blood clots in the lung artery e.g. shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
• medicines used in organ transplants and certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
• colchicine (medicine for gout or high uric acid level in the blood)
• other cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. atorvastatin, simvastatin, ciprofibrate, colestyramine, colesevelam
• pioglitazone (medicine for diabetes)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Fenofibrate.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light and moisture.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.