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Fenofibrate Coupon - Fenofibrate 160mg tablet

fenofibrate

Generic Tricor
Used for High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides
Used for High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides

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).

Last reviewed on August 2, 2023
basics-icon

What is Fenofibrate?

What is Fenofibrate used for?

How Fenofibrate works

Fenofibrate is a fibrate. It works by breaking down lipids (fatty substances) in your blood, such as "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL) and triglycerides. This lowers the amount of lipids that can clog your arteries and helps blood flow more smoothly to different parts of your body.

Fenofibrate also helps make more "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein or HDL) in your body. Having more HDL can lower your risk for heart problems or stroke.

When does Fenofibrate start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Drug ClassFibrate
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$43.28(save 71.40%)
GoodRx discount
$12.38
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What are the side effects of Fenofibrate?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Back pain
  • Headache
  • Stuffy nose
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic and skin reactions: sore throat, fever, fatigue, rash, hives, painful blisters, skin reddening, skin peeling, swollen lymph nodes
  • Liver damage: swelling of your stomach, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, confusion
  • Severe muscle pain: fever, tired, dark-colored (brown or red color) urine, muscle pain, cramps, or weakness
  • Blood clots in lungs or legs: chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling or warmth in your legs, leg muscles that are tender to the touch
When do Fenofibrate possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Possible effect on the kidneys
Risk of liver damage
Risk of severe muscle damage
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Chills

fever

hives, itching, or skin rash

muscle aches and pains

nausea

stomach pain

vomiting

Rare

Chronic indigestion

dark urine

muscle cramps, spasms, stiffness, swelling, or weakness

troubled breathing

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Agitation

bloating

bloody urine

constipation

decreased frequency or amount of urine

difficulty in moving

fast heartbeat

general tiredness and weakness

increased blood pressure

increased thirst

indigestion

joint pain or swelling

light-colored stools

loss of appetite

lower back or side pain

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

pale skin

swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs

troubled breathing with exertion

upper right abdominal or stomach pain

weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Back pain

diarrhea

eye irritation

gas

increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

Incidence not known

Lack or loss of strength

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Fenofibrate

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Fenofibrate

pharmacist
  • Make sure to mark your appointment and scheduled lab work dates on your calendar. Typically, you'll need to get lab work done every 1 to 2 months to see how well fenofibrate is working for you.

    • Swallow fenofibrate pills whole. Don't chew, break, or open the pills since this can damage the medication and cause you to take the wrong dose.

      • Make sure to check with your provider or pharmacist if you should take fenofibrate with or without food, since it depends on which brand you're taking. You'll need to take some forms with food (e.g., Fenoglide, Lipofen), while you can take other forms with or without food (e.g., Antara, Tricor).

        • Fenofibrate can change the way other medications work. Make sure to tell your provider about all the medications you're taking before starting fenofibrate. Don't start any new medications while taking fenofibrate without talking to your provider or pharmacist first.

          • If you're taking blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin), you should get your INR checked more frequently when you first start fenofibrate because it can raise your INR level and bleeding risk. If you have any signs or symptoms of bleeding (e.g., feeling faint, dizziness, bleeding that is difficult to stop, blood in your urine or stool), seek medical attention right away.

            • If you're also taking a bile acid sequestrant for your high cholesterol, make sure to take fenofibrate at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after the bile acid sequestrant. Bile acid sequestrants can affect how well fenofibrate works.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Fenofibrate

              Is fenofibrate a statin?
              No, fenofibrate is a fibrate, not a statin. Fibrates and statins are two completely different classes of medications. While both lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL), they do so in different ways. In addition, fenofibrate can also lower triglyceride (fat) levels. In fact, this is the main benefit of using fenofibrate; it doesn't help as much to lower LDL as statins do.
              Do I need to take fenofibrate at night?
              No, you can take fenofibrate at any time of the day because it lasts all day. It's best to take it at the same time every day so the amount of medication stays consistent in your body.
              Does fenofibrate cause weight gain?
              No, weight gain wasn't a reported side effect of fenofibrate during clinical studies. If you notice any unusual changes in weight while you're taking this medication, speak with your provider so they can help figure out what's going on.
              Is fenofibrate a blood thinner?
              No, fenofibrate isn't a blood thinner. But fenofibrate might raise your risk of bleeding if you're also taking a blood thinner called warfarin (Coumadin). This is because fenofibrate can enhance the effects of warfarin (Coumadin). You can still safely take both medications, but you might need to have your warfarin (Coumadin) dose adjusted and your INR checked more frequently when starting fenofibrate.
              Can you take fenofibrate and atorvastatin together?
              Yes, you can take fenofibrate and atorvastatin (Lipitor) (or other statin) together. In fact, treatment guidelines say people with high triglyceride levels can take both fenofibrate and a statin. Combination therapy is typically used only if necessary because taking both medications will raise your risk for severe side effects (e.g., muscle breakdown, liver problems). If you need to take fenofibrate and a statin together, your provider might follow up with you more often to make sure the combination of medications is safe for you.
              Can I take fenofibrate and drink alcohol at the same time?
              It's best to limit or avoid drinking alcohol while taking fenofibrate. This medication can harm the liver, and drinking alcohol can further raise your risk for liver problems. In addition, alcohol can raise your cholesterol and triglyceride levels (the opposite of what fenofibrate is trying to do). Speak with your provider about your drinking habits while you're taking fenofibrate.
              What's the most common side effect of fenofibrate?
              In clinical studies, the most common side effect was having elevated liver enzymes in the blood. This happened in 7.5% of people taking fenofibrate in the studies. Elevated liver enzymes can be a sign that your liver is damaged, which can lead liver disease if not properly treated. Your provider will order blood tests called liver function tests (LFTs) to track your liver health while you're taking fenofibrate. If there are signs that the medication is damaging your liver, your provider might adjust your dose or have you stop taking fenofibrate.
              Can I use fenofibrate if I'm pregnant or nursing?
              Talk with your provider if you have questions about using fenofibrate if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Fenofibrate isn't recommended during pregnancy because there's not enough information available to know whether it's safe for mothers and their unborn baby. In animal studies, high doses of fenofibrate caused harm to babies. As for breastfeeding, fenofibrate might pass in human breast milk and cause harm to breastfed babies based on findings from animal studies. Some forms of fenofibrate can't be used during breastfeeding, and you'll need to wait 5 days after your last dose before you start breastfeeding. Discuss with your provider about a safe treatment plan for you.
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              warings-icon

              What are the risks and warnings for Fenofibrate?

              Fenofibrate can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Liver damage

              • Risk factors: Taking higher doses of fenofibrate

                Fenofibrate can cause serious liver damage that can lead to liver failure and even death. Liver damage can happen anytime during treatment, but it might go away after you stop this medication. You'll need to get your blood drawn before starting fenofibrate and during treatment to make sure your liver is healthy. If there are concerning lab results or if you have symptoms of liver damage, you might need to stop using fenofibrate to prevent further liver damage. What's more, you can't use this medication if you already have liver problems. Get medical attention right away if you notice symptoms of liver problems, such as swelling of your stomach, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, stool changes (black, tarry, or bloody stools), or confusion.

                risk-warning

                Muscle damage (myopathy and rhabdomyolysis)

                • Risk factors: Older adults | Kidney failure | Diabetes | Low thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) | Taking other medications that can cause muscle damage

                  Fenofibrate can raise the risk of muscle damage. If muscle damage is severe, it can lead to muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), which can negatively affect your other organs. Your risk is higher if you're taking other medications that can cause muscle damage, such as statins, or if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes. Before starting fenofibrate, ask your provider if you're taking any other medications that might put you at risk for muscle damage. Seek medical attention right away if you develop fever, sudden muscle pain, cramps, weakness, or dark red or brown-colored urine.

                  risk-warning

                  Possible effect on the kidneys

                  • Risk factors: Age 65 years and older | Diabetes | Kidney problems

                    During clinical studies, some people taking fenofibrate have had higher levels of a protein in the blood called creatinine. This lab result suggests possible kidney damage, but keep in mind that it's unclear whether the medication actually harms the kidney or affects kidney function. To be safe, your provider might start you at a lower dose of fenofibrate and check your kidney function through blood tests. Your risk might be higher if you're 65 years and older, if you have diabetes, or if you have kidney problems. Let your provider know if you notice any changes in urination or dark-colored urine, as these can be signs of kidney problems.

                    risk-warning

                    Allergic reactions

                    Allergic reactions to fenofibrate are possible. These reactions can be life-threatening and can include mouth or facial swelling and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). If you notice hives, swelling of your lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using fenofibrate, stop using it and seek medical attention right away.

                    Although rare, it's also possible for people who take fenofibrate to have severe and potentially fatal skin reactions. These reactions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)). The reactions can occur days to weeks after starting fenofibrate. Seek medical attention right away if you develop a fever, blistering rash, or swollen lymph nodes.

                    risk-warning

                    Gallstones

                    Fenofibrate can raise your risk of gallstones. For this reason, you can't use fenofibrate if you have gallbladder problems. Let your provider know right away if you experience stomach pain, back pain, nausea, or vomiting so you can be tested for gallstones.

                    risk-warning

                    Pancreatitis

                    Rarely, some people taking fenofibrate have developed inflammation in the pancreas (called pancreatitis). It's possible that this pancreas problem is due to having high triglyceride levels despite taking fenofibrate, the medication itself, or some other cause. Your provider can measure blood levels of certain proteins made by your pancreas and do imaging of your pancreas to check for this problem. Contact your provider if you develop sudden stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or fluid buildup in your stomach area. These can be signs of problems in the pancreas.

                    risk-warning

                    Blood clots

                    Fenofibrate might raise your risk for blood clots in your lung (pulmonary embolism, PE) or leg (deep vein thrombosis, DVT). If you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling in your leg, or warm skin that's tender to the touch, get medical help right away.

                    dosage

                    Fenofibrate dosage forms

                    The average cost for 30 tablets of 160mg of Fenofibrate is $12.38 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 71.4% off the average retail price of $43.28.
                    capsule
                    Capsule
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    30mg90 capsules$106.06$1.18
                    50mg30 capsules$28.02$0.93
                    90mg90 capsules$758.92$8.43
                    150mg30 capsules$72.33$2.41
                    tablet
                    Tablet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    40mg30 tablets$83.86$2.80
                    48mg90 tablets$22.39$0.25
                    54mg90 tablets$23.99$0.27
                    120mg90 tablets$650.64$7.23
                    145mg90 tablets$22.04$0.24
                    160mg30 tablets$12.38$0.41

                    Typical dosing for Fenofibrate

                    Your dose depends on what condition you’re using fenofibrate for. It also depends on what formulation of fenofibrate you're using. Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.

                    Capsules

                    Tablets

                    More on Fenofibrate dosage forms

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Fenofibrate and other drugs

                    Fenofibrate may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Fenofibrate. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                    • Ciprofibrate

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    drug-cost

                    How much does Fenofibrate cost?

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                    contraindications-icon

                    Fenofibrate contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Fenofibrate will not be safe for you to take.
                    • Severe kidney disease or on dialysis

                    • Liver disease

                    • Gallbladder disease

                    • Nusing mothers

                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Fenofibrate?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Fenofibrate. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Fenofibrate
                    Used for:
                    $12.38 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    $6.60 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    $14.40 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    latest news

                    What is the latest news about Fenofibrate?

                    images

                    Fenofibrate images

                    White Oblong G352 - Fenofibrate 160mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "G352".White Oblong G352 - Fenofibrate 160mg Tablet
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                    This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "215" And "Ls".White Oval 215 And Ls - Fenofibrate 160mg Tablet

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    AbbVie Inc. (2021). Tricor - fenofibrate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    AbbVie Inc. (2021). Trilipix- fenofibric acid capsule, delayed release [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited. (2023). Fenofibric acid [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    View All References (10)

                    Ajanta Pharma USA Inc. (2021). Fenofibrate [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2021). Lipofen - fenofibrate capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Grundy, S. M., et al. (2018). 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA guideline on the management of blood cholesterol: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation.

                    Kim, S., et al. (2017). Effect of fenofibrate medication on renal function. Korean Journal of Family Medicine.

                    Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Antara - fenofibrate capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    MedlinePlus. (2020). Creatinine test.

                    National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Diagnosis of pancreatitis.

                    Santarus, Inc. (2021). Fenoglide - fenofibrate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Sidhu, G., et al. (2023). Fenofibrate. StatPearls.

                    The ACCORD Study Group (2010). Effects of combination lipid therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus. The New England Journal of Medicine.

                    Wu, J., et al. (2009). Rhabdomyolysis associated with fibrate therapy: Review of 76 published cases and a new case report. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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