Brand Name

Tricor {Abbott}

Generic Name

fenofibrate, pronounced FEN oh FYE brate

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Tricor?

Tricor is a medication that can help to lower your cholesterol, especially your “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides. Tricor is effective at reducing the triglycerides, or fatty acids in your blood. If you have high levels of triglycerides you are at a greater risk of atherosclerosis, which is also known as clogged arteries. Tricor may also be used for purposes not described in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Tricor

Tricor may help to reduce your level of triglycerides (fatty acids) as well as low-density lipoprotein {LDL}, also known as your “bad” cholesterol.

Tricor may be prescribed to help lower your levels of a type of fat in the blood stream or the blood tissue, called triglycerides.

Your doctor may have prescribed Tricor for you to help lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, or other heart complications. This is important if you have risk factors such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.

In rare cases, Tricor can cause a condition that causes a breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, which leads to kidney failure. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, weakness or tenderness, especially if you also have a fever, extreme tiredness, and dark colored urine.

PREGNANCY/BREASTFEEDING: Tricor may or may not cause harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Do not breast-feed if you are taking Tricor, as it is not known if Tricor passes into breast milk.

You should refrain from drinking alcohol while taking Tricor, as it can raise your triglyceride levels and cause potential liver damage.

Before You Take Tricor

You should not take Tricor if you are allergic to fenofibrate.

You should inform your doctor if you have cirrhosis of the liver, liver disease, kidney disease, or a gallbladder disease before taking Tricor.

Let your doctor know if you drink 2 or more alcoholic beverages daily. Alcohol can increase the risk of serious side effects if you are taking Tricor. Your consumption of alcohol may also raise your triglyceride levels.

If you have hypothyroidism or diabetes you should tell your doctor before beginning treatment with Tricor.

Tricor can rarely cause a condition which results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, particularly if you also have unusual tiredness, a fever or dark colored urine. This condition is more likely to occur in older adults, people with kidney disease, or poorly controlled hypothyroidism.

Tricor Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• blood thinners warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
• statin medications like atorvastatin (Lipitor, Caduet), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), or other medications that contain simvastatin (Simcor, Vytorin).
• Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Tricor. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Tricor

Take Tricor exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Tricor in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Tricor should be taken with a full glass of water.

Tricor can be taken with or without food.

If you are taking cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid) you should take these medications at least 1 hour after taking Tricor, or 4 to 6 hours before taking TriCor. You should not take either of these medications at the same time that you take Tricor.

Visit your doctor regularly to be sure that you are getting the best results from your dose. You will need to have your blood tested on a regular basis to be sure that Tricor is not causing you harm and is giving you the best results.

You may need to stop taking Tricor on a long-term basis for a surgical or medical emergency. Your doctor will inform you of when you should begin taking Tricor again. Do not start or stop taking Tricor at any time without consulting your doctor first.

Tricor is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines closely as directed by your doctor.

Tricor should be stored at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the pills in their original container, along with the moisture absorbing packet enclosed in in your bottle.

If you miss a dose of Tricor you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Tricor Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following adverse effects while using Tricor.

• allergic reaction including breathing difficulties, hives and swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• fever
• nausea
• stomach pain that is severe
• vomiting
• weakness that is unusual

Less serious side effects of Tricor may include:

• bloating
• gas
• indigestion
• joint pain
• rash

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Tricor. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Tricor Description and Dosing

Tricor is available in tablet form in two strengths:

48 milligrams, which are yellow tablets, imprinted with “Abbott “A” logo” and Abbo-Code identification letters “FI”.

145 milligrams, which are white tablets, imprinted with “Abbott “A” logo” and Abbo-Code identification letters “FO”.

Your doctor will tell you the right dose of Tricor for you. Do not attempt to change your dose or stop taking Tricor without speaking to your doctor first.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Tricor you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Tricor

Tricor has the active ingredient fenofibrate. Inactive ingredients include Each tablet contains hypromellose 2910 (3 cps), docusate sodium, sucrose, sodium lauryl sulfate, lactose monohydrate, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, and magnesium stearate.

The 48 milligram tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, talc, soybean lecithin, xanthan gum, D&C Yellow #10 aluminum lake, FD&C Yellow #6 /sunset yellow FCF aluminum lake and FD&C Blue #2 /indigo carmine aluminum lake.

The 145 milligram tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, talc, soybean lecithin and xanthan gum.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.