Fibric Acid Derivatives for High Cholesterol
Examples
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| fenofibrate | Antara, Lipofen, Tricor, Triglide, Trilipix |
| gemfibrozil | Lopid |
How It Works
These drugs lower
triglycerides and raise
HDL (“good”) cholesterol. They may have little effect
on
LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.
Why It Is Used
Your doctor may recommend these medicines if you have high cholesterol and there is a reason you can’t take a statin.
How Well It Works
These medicines can improve cholesterol levels.
Gemfibrozil may lower the risk of heart
attack in people who have coronary artery disease and low HDL levels.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don’t feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Fenofibrate
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Hives.
- Signs of an infection, such as chills, fever, or sore throat.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also:
- Are more tired than usual.
- Have a fever.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Headache.
- Stomach upset.
- Gas.
Gemfibrozil
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Hives.
- Severe stomach pain with nausea or vomiting.
- Fever or chills.
- Muscle pain, especially if you are weak or more tired than usual.
- Pain when you urinate.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Stomachache.
- Gas.
- Heartburn.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects.
(Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
A heart-healthy lifestyle is important for lowering your risk whether you take medicine or not. This includes eating healthy foods, being active, staying at a healthy weight, and not smoking.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all of
the medicines you are taking, including
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or supplements.
If you are taking a statin as well as a fibrate medicine, watch for symptoms of muscle problems. If you have any
muscle problems or pain, call your doctor right away. If you take both of these medicines, there is a greater
risk for a serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis.
Other medical problems. Be sure your doctor knows about any other medical problems you have. This includes:
- Gallbladder problems, including gallstones.
- Kidney disease.
- Liver disease.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don’t take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
Advice for women
Fenofibrate. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, tell your doctor. Do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Gemfibrozil. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant, tell your doctor. Do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) ( What is a PDF document? ) to help you understand this medication.
Current as of:
October 5, 2017
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine