Tricor 200 mg

Tricor (Fenofibrate) is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Tricor belongs to a group of drugs known as "fibrates." Tricor works by increasing the natural substance (enzyme) that breaks down fats in the blood. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. Lowering triglycerides in people with very high triglyceride blood levels may also decrease the risk of pancreas disease (pancreatitis). In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, drinking less alcohol, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.

How to use:
Take Tricor by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Fenofibrate comes in different types of capsules and tablets which provide different amounts of the medication. Do not switch between different forms or brands of this medication unless directed by your doctor. Some forms of this drug should be taken with food but others may be taken with or without food. Check with your pharmacist about your brand of fenofibrate. It is important to take this medication correctly so that the drug has the greatest benefit. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take fenofibrate at least 1 hour before or at least 4-6 hours after taking these medications. These products can react with fenofibrate, preventing its full absorption. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol/triglycerides do not feel sick. It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 2 months before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Side effects:
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may infrequently cause gallstones and liver problems. If you notice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects, tell your doctor immediately:

• severe stomach
• abdominal pain,
• persistent nausea/vomiting,
• yellowing eyes/skin,
• dark urine.

This drug may infrequently cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), change in the amount of urine. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), unusual tiredness, chest pain, pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash,
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat),
• severe dizziness, trouble breathing.