CLASS and MECHANISM of Action
Generic "Tricor" is a fibric acid derivative. Generic "Tricor" helps reduce types of fat in the blood. Generic "Tricor" is especially good at lowering triglycerides and a form of cholesterol called very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). High levels of these types of fat in the blood are associated with an increased chance of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can result in severe stomach pain and even death.
Active Ingredients: fenofibrate
Inactive Ingredients: lactose monohydrate, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose 2910 (3cps), docusate sodium, sucrose, sodium lauryl sulfate, crospovidone, and magnesium stearate.
What is Generic "Tricor" PRESCRIBED For?
Generic "Tricor" is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty substances) in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How Should I Take Generic "Tricor"?
Generic "Tricor" comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Generic "Tricor" exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Generic "Tricor" should be taken with meals. If you've also been prescribed a cholesterol-lowering drug such as Questran or Colestid, take Generic "Tricor" at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after the other drug to make sure Generic "Tricor" is properly absorbed.
Store at room temperature and protect from moisture.
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS for taking Generic "Tricor"?
Before taking Generic "Tricor", tell your doctor if you have
- liver disease,
- biliary cirrhosis,
- kidney disease,
- gallbladder disease,
- hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), or
- diabetes.
You may not be able to take Generic "Tricor", or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Generic "Tricor" is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Generic "Tricor" will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Generic "Tricor" without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Generic "Tricor" should not be used by nursing mothers. Do not take Generic "Tricor" without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What Happens if I MISS A DOSE?
Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise. If you miss a dose take it as soon as possible but if it's high time for the next dose just skip the missed one and continue your usual schedule.
What Happens if I OVERDOSE?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a Generic "Tricor" overdose are not known.
What are the possible SIDE EFFECTS of Generic "Tricor"?
Rarely, treatment with Generic "Tricor" has been associated with a serious side effect affecting the muscles. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual or unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if accompanied by fever or a "flulike" feeling.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking fenofibrate and contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting;
- fever.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take fenofibrate and talk to your doctor if you experience
- joint pain;
- indigestion;
- bloating or flatulence; or
- a rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs can INTERACT with Generic "Tricor"?
Before taking Generic "Tricor", talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);
- cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
- lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol), atorvastatin (Lipitor), or cerivastatin (Baycol); or
- cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid).
You may not be able to take Generic "Tricor", or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the drugs listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Generic "Tricor". Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Additional Information
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant). Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
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