10 Fenofibrate Side Effects: What to Expect From Taking Tricor, Trilipix, and More

Fenofibrate (or fenofibric acid) is a prescription fibrate medication used to treat high cholesterol and severely high triglycerides. It goes by several different brand names, including Lipofen, Trilipix, and Tricor. But like any medication, fenofibrate can cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe.

Abdominal pain, back pain, and headaches are a few common complaints, especially when you start treatment. But in rare cases, more serious fenofibrate side effects are possible. So, it’s important to know what to look for and when to get help.

Fenofibrate side effects at a glance

Some fenofibrate side effects may be bothersome but tend to go away over time. Others are less common, but they can be a sign of a more serious problem requiring treatment.

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Common but mild fenofibrate side effects can include:

• Abdominal pain

• Back pain

• Headache

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Stuffy nose

Less common and potentially serious fenofibrate side effects include:

• Liver damage

• Muscle pain and damage

• Gallstones

• Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)

• Blood clots

• Decrease in red and white blood cells

Let’s take a closer look at 10 fenofibrate side effects and what you can do if they happen to you.

1. Abdominal pain

Abdominal (stomach area) pain is a potential fenofibrate side effect. However, it was reported only slightly more often in people taking fenofibrate compared to those receiving a placebo (a pill without medication) during clinical trials.

Abdominal pain can have many potential causes, ranging from mild to serious. So, you should let your healthcare provider know right away if it’s persistent or getting worse. They can help determine the cause and how it should be treated.

Abdominal pain can also be a symptom of gallstones, especially if it happens after eating a high-fat meal. Severe abdominal pain that’s accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin and eyes can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as pancreatitis. More on these two serious side effects later.

2. Back pain

Back pain is another fenofibrate side effect. This is usually mild and may improve over time. If it starts interfering with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare provider. They may suggest an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. You can also try using ice or heat to ease your pain. But if your back pain is getting worse or not going away, let your provider know.

If the pain started in your abdominal area and is radiating to your back, this could be a sign of something more serious. In this case, or if your back pain is severe, get immediate medical attention.

3. Headache

Some people taking fenofibrate report experiencing headaches. Similar to back pain, these may be mild and resolve over time. Your healthcare provider may suggest an OTC pain reliever or other home treatments for relief, if needed.

Headaches can have many causes, including other medications and medical conditions. If your headaches are persistent or start getting worse, let your healthcare provider know. But very severe headaches and headaches that occur with other symptoms, such as confusion, may require emergency medical care.

4. Nausea

Some people may experience nausea while taking fenofibrate. You can take most forms of fenofibrate with or without food, but some should be taken with food. If you have a choice, taking your dose with a meal or snack may help settle your stomach.

Talk to your healthcare provider if nausea continues or if you start vomiting. Nausea with other concerning symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain or confusion, may warrant a trip to the emergency room.

5. Constipation

Constipation is another possible fenofibrate side effect. There are a few things you can do to prevent or lessen constipation during treatment.

Eating a high-fiber diet can help with constipation. And it can have a positive effect on your cholesterol, too. It’s also important to drink plenty of water and get regular exercise. You may want to try limiting foods that can worsen constipation, such as dairy and fried foods. Also, don’t hold it in. When you feel like you need to go to the bathroom, go.

If you’re still experiencing constipation, you could try an OTC laxative. Ask your pharmacist which one may be best for you. Talk to your healthcare provider if these tips don’t help or if your constipation becomes painful.

6. Stuffy nose

You may develop a stuffy nose while taking fenofibrate. While it could be from the medication, nasal congestion can have other causes, such as an infection.

A stuffy nose is never a welcome side effect. Fortunately, there are things you can try at home to help you breathe easier. A few medication-free examples include breathing in steam, using a nasal saline rinse, and applying a warm compress.

Keep in mind that some decongestant medications may not be safe for people with heart disease. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist which options are OK for you to take.

7. Liver damage

Fenofibrate can affect your liver, causing changes in your liver tests. While rare, serious liver damage is also possible. This may be more likely to happen with higher doses, and it has been reported to happen within the first few weeks to months of treatment.

Your healthcare provider will likely monitor your liver health while you’re taking fenofibrate. If your liver tests are elevated, they may have you stop taking it. But you should let them know if you develop any liver damage symptoms such as dark urine, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and abdominal pain.

8. Muscle pain and damage

In rare cases, fenofibrate can cause severe muscle pain and damage. This can lead to a more serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle tissue can clog your kidneys. If left untreated, rhabdomyolysis can lead to kidney failure.

Muscle pain and rhabdomyolysis may be more likely to happen if you’re taking fenofibrate with a statin. Older adults, people with diabetes, and those with kidney problems may also be at higher risk.

Muscle pain, weakness, and dark-colored urine are common indicators of rhabdomyolysis. Go to the nearest emergency room if these develop. In this case, you may need to receive treatment in a hospital to protect your kidneys.

9. Gallstones

Fenofibrate increases the amount of cholesterol in your bile. This can raise the risk of gallstones. As mentioned above, gallstones can cause abdominal pain that’s usually triggered by a fatty meal. This can also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

If left untreated, gallstones can lead to serious complications. So, it’s important to address them right away. Let your healthcare provider know if you experience pain in the upper right side of your abdomen. But you should go to the nearest emergency room if the pain is persistent or getting worse, or if you also have a fever or jaundice.

10. Pancreatitis

While rare, pancreatitis is a possible fenofibrate side effect. But it’s important to note that pancreatitis is commonly caused by very high triglycerides, which fenofibrate is used to treat. So in some cases, this can be a sign that fenofibrate isn’t working well enough for you.

Pancreatitis can become life-threatening if it’s left untreated. Severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting are common symptoms. This can progress into symptoms such as fever, weakness, and shortness of breath. Go to the nearest emergency if these symptoms develop.

When should you contact your healthcare provider about fenofibrate side effects?

Many fenofibrate side effects, such as headache and constipation, can be managed at home. But you should talk to your healthcare provider if you’re not able to get relief, or if any are concerning to you.

While rare, serious side effects are possible. Some of these, such as liver damage, may be monitored regularly at checkups. However, severe abdominal pain may require immediate medical attention — especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms.

Severe allergic reactions are also possible, but rare. If you develop difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue after taking fenofibrate, call 911.

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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:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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