Fenofibrate Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide for Tricor, Trilipix, and More

Fenofibrate is an oral prescription fibrate medication used to treat high cholesterol and severe high triglyceride levels. It comes in several different tablet and capsule formulations under brand names such as Tricor, Trilipix, and Lipofen. 

Your typical fenofibrate dosage can depend on a few different factors. Examples include why you’re taking it, the formulation you’re prescribed, and your kidney function. If you’re curious to learn more about how fenofibrate is dosed and how to take it, you’re in the right place.

Fenofibrate dosage forms

Fenofibrate (or fenofibric acid) is available in several different formulations with varying doses. Both brand and generic versions are available. Available options include:

• Capsules: Lipofen

• Micronized capsules: Antara and generic micronized fenofibrate

• Delayed-release (DR) capsules: Trilipix and generic fenofibric acid DR capsules

• Tablets: Fenoglide, Tricor, and generic fenofibrate tablets

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These formulations are not considered interchangeable. That’s because there are a few differences between them.

For example, Trilipix and generic fenofibric acid DR capsules contain fenofibric acid, which is what fenofibrate turns into once inside the body. And Antara contains micronized fenofibrate, which are smaller fenofibrate particles. Both fenofibric acid and micronized fenofibrate have been shown to be absorbed better than fenofibrate. This is one of the reasons why the doses may be different.

You shouldn’t open fenofibrate capsules or crush the tablets. Instead, you should swallow them whole. You can take most fenofibrate formulations with or without meals. Exceptions include Lipofen and generic micronized fenofibrate capsules, which need to be taken with a meal. Fenoglide should also be taken with food. This helps your body absorb the medication properly.

What’s the typical fenofibrate dosage?

The typical fenofibrate dosage depends on why you’re taking it. Your healthcare provider may also adjust your dose based on your cholesterol or triglyceride levels. They may also have you take a dosage that’s different from what’s described below.

High cholesterol

The typical fenofibrate dosage for high cholesterol depends on the specific formulation you’re prescribed as covered in the table below. The starting and maximum dosage are the same.

If you’re not responding to treatment after taking the dosage listed above for 2 months, your healthcare provider may instruct you to stop taking fenofibrate. And if your cholesterol levels drop too low, they may lower your fenofibrate dose.

Severe high triglycerides

The usual fenofibrate dosage for severe high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia) is a little different. But it also differs by product, as detailed in the table below.

During treatment, your healthcare provider may monitor your triglyceride levels every 4 to 8 weeks (1 to 2 months) to see how you’re responding to treatment. They may adjust your fenofibrate dosage depending on your levels.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

If you have kidney problems, it can take longer for your body to get rid of fenofibrate. This is also the case with older adults. And if your body has trouble getting rid of it, that can increase your risk of side effects. So, fenofibrate isn’t recommended if you have severe kidney problems.

But if you have mild to moderate kidney problems, your healthcare provider may have you start with a lower dosage, as detailed below. Certain fenofibrate products also recommend a lower starting dosage for older adults.

What happens if you miss a dose of fenofibrate?

If you miss a dose of fenofibrate, take it as soon as possible the same day it was scheduled. But if it’s almost time to take your next dose, just skip it and continue with your regular schedule. Don’t double your dosage or take more than what’s prescribed. 

If you regularly miss a dose of fenofibrate, your pharmacist can help. There are also several medication reminder apps available that can make it easier to take your dose on time.

What should you do if you take too much fenofibrate?

Taking too much fenofibrate can increase the risk of side effects, including abdominal pain, back pain, and headache. It can also cause more serious effects, such as liver damage.

If you think you may have taken too much fenofibrate, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or your healthcare provider right away for guidance. If your symptoms feel life-threatening, go to the nearest emergency room.

How to save on fenofibrate

Most fenofibrate formulations are available as lower-cost generics. Lipofen is available as a brand-name product and an authorized generic (the branded product without the brand name). With GoodRx, you could pay less than $30 for generic fenofibrate at certain pharmacies. 

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Written by:

Brian Leonard, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP

Brian Leonard earned his doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy and is board certified in Ambulatory Care and Geriatric Pharmacy.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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