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Fenofibrate

Fenofibrate is a fibrate-class medicine taken by mouth for lipid disorders. It is used when triglycerides, cholesterol or both stay above target. Tablets are film-coated and supplied in 160 mg and 200 mg strengths.

Medicine containing Fenofibrate

Fenofibrate

Hypercholesterolaemia, Hypertriglyceridaemia

160 · 200mg

Fenofibrate is a tablet for hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia that lowers triglycerides and raises HDL cholesterol. Multiple strengths and pack sizes are supplied. You see the price per tablet for each option.

FromUS$1.28/ tabletView

Key points

  • Fenofibrate acts on the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, a receptor that governs how fats are processed.
  • It is used for hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia, and its effect builds over 2 to 4 weeks.
  • Warfarin, statins and ciclosporin are the interactions that need particular care during treatment.

What fenofibrate is used for

Fenofibrate manages hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia, and it may be chosen when both are raised (dyslipidaemia). It belongs within wider cholesterol management, alongside changes to diet and activity. It is for adults only.

How it works

Fenofibrate is a fibrate derivative that stimulates PPAR-alpha. This receptor controls the metabolism of triglycerides and cholesterol, so stimulating it enhances fat breakdown and clearance and helps regulate the lipid profile, including a fall in low-density lipoprotein levels. A single dose acts for about 24 hours.

Forms and strengths

Fenofibrate is supplied as fenofibrate 160 mg and 200 mg film-coated tablets. Pharmacy partners in India ship to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety and interactions

Fenofibrate should not be taken by anyone with hypersensitivity to it, severe hepatic impairment, severe renal impairment, gallbladder disease, or a history of photodermatotoxicity. Liver function tests and renal function are checked during treatment, and elderly patients are treated with caution. Unexplained muscle pain should be reported.

Common effects are nausea, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea. Raised liver enzymes, flatulence and skin rash are also seen. Rhabdomyolysis, pancreatitis and anaphylaxis are serious and require immediate medical attention. Fenofibrate interacts with warfarin, statins and ciclosporin. It is not recommended in pregnancy and should be avoided during breastfeeding.

What the sources say

  • Fibrates raise the risk of myopathy and have been linked with rhabdomyolysis (DailyMed).
  • Myopathy should be suspected in a patient with diffuse muscle aches, muscle tenderness or weakness, or markedly raised creatine phosphokinase levels (DailyMed).
  • An overdose calls for general supportive care, with vital signs monitored and clinical status observed (DailyMed).

Further reading

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