Skip to main content

Compare
Tricor vs. Lovaza

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Fenofibrate (brand names: Fenoglide, Trilipix, Antara, Tricor, Lipofen) and omega-3-acid ethyl esters (brand name: Lovaza) are both used to manage high triglycerides, but they work differently and have distinct characteristics. Fenofibrate is a fibrate that breaks down lipids in your blood, lowering "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL). It is available in various forms and generics. Common side effects include liver problems and stomach pain. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters, made up of EPA and DHA, are taken to lower triglycerides and are best used with a low-cholesterol diet and exercise. It is available as a generic and can cause burping, upset stomach, and changes in taste. Unlike fenofibrate, omega-3-acid ethyl esters do not lower LDL cholesterol and are not recommended for people with fish or shellfish allergies. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor their effects on your liver and cholesterol levels.

Fenofibrate

 

Get free coupons

Omega-3 acids

(Lovaza)

Get free coupons

Summary for Tricor

Prescription only

Fenofibrate (also known as fenofibric acid) is used as an add-on medication to diet to treat high triglycerides and high cholesterol. Common side effects include liver problems, breathing problems, and stomach pain. Fenofibrate includes a warning about avoiding statin medications because of the risk of muscle damage, and also because it doesn't add any extra benefit in reducing the risk of heart problems compared to taking a statin alone. Fenofibrate is available in many brand names (e.g., Antara, Tricor, Trilipix), generics, and dosage forms (e.g., micronized capsules, delayed-release capsules, tablets).

Indications for Tricor

Pros and Cons for Tricor

Pros

  • Lowers triglycerides and LDL ("bad" cholesterol) while raising HDL ("good" cholesterol)
  • Only needs to be taken once daily
  • Some brands can be taken with or without food
  • Some brands available as lower-cost generics

Cons

  • Need to take it alongside a low-fat diet; doesn't work well on its own
  • Can cause muscle damage, especially if taken with a statin
  • Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Can't take if you have liver, severe kidney, or gallbladder problems

Common Side Effects for Tricor

Warnings for Tricor

  • Liver damage
  • Muscle damage (myopathy and rhabdomyolysis)
  • Possible effect on the kidneys
  • Allergic reactions
  • Gallstones
  • Pancreatitis
  • Blood clots

Summary for Lovaza

Prescription only

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) is made up of two different omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This medication is used to lower triglycerides (TG) levels in adults. It works best when you're also eating a low-cholesterol diet and engaging in regular exercise. Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) is taken by mouth once or twice per day with food. Some side effects include burping, upset stomach, and changes in your sense of taste.

Indications for Lovaza

  • Add-on to diet for the treatment of high triglycerides (TG) in adults with TG levels greater than 500 mg/dL

Pros and Cons for Lovaza

Pros

Cons

  • Approved for adults only
  • Might not be appropriate for people with fish or shellfish allergies
  • Can cause burping and changes in taste as side effects
  • Capsule might be hard to swallow for some people

Common Side Effects for Lovaza

  • Burping (4%)
  • Changes in taste (4%)
  • Upset stomach (3%)

Warnings for Lovaza

  • Fish allergy
  • Heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter)
  • Risk of liver irritation

Prices with our coupons for Tricor vs. Lovaza

Price Card Drug Icon
Fenofibrate30 tablets / 160mg
$12.69$48.11
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters120 capsules / 1g
$33.40$71.70
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other High Cholesterol drugs

Niaspan vs. TrilipixTrilipix vs. AtorvastatinTrilipix vs. CrestorTrilipix vs. LopidTrilipix vs. Omega-3-acid
Trilipix vs. VytorinZocor vs. TrilipixCrestor vs. PravastatinLipitor vs. NiaspanLipitor vs. VytorinLipitor vs. ZocorLopid vs. ZocorLovastatin vs. NiaspanMevacor vs. ZocorNiaspan vs. AntaraNiaspan vs. AtorvastatinNiaspan vs. CrestorNiaspan vs. LopidNiaspan vs. Omega-3-acidNiaspan vs. VytorinOmega-3-acid vs. CrestorRepatha vs. CrestorSimvastatin vs. NiaspanVytorin vs. AtorvastatinVytorin vs. CrestorVytorin vs. LopidZetia vs. CrestorZetia vs. NiaspanZetia vs. VytorinZocor vs. Pravachol

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.