TriCor (Fenofibrate) Helps Reduce Cholesterol and Fatty Acids
TriCor is a tipid regulating agent for oral administration used to help reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood. It works by way of lowering elevated blood triglyceride level in the blood by making the liver produce less triglycerides.
TriCor is a brand name drug, and (Fenofibrate) is the generic name. Other similar brand name medications are: Lofibra, Antara, Triglide, Lipofen, and Fenoglide.
Side Effects:
Like any other drug TriCor also has some side effects; mild to moderate ones include indigestion, bloating or gas, joint pain and appearance of rashes, fever
Serious side effects:
- Severe or unusual muscle pain
- Severe stomach pain
- Unusual weakness accompanied by fever
- Vomiting
- Constant nausea
- Flu-like symptoms
Aside from these, taking Fenofibrate might also result to some allergic reactions to some people. Some known signs of allergic reactions include difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue and the appearance of hives. It is best to seek a medical expert's advice when you see some allergic reactions or when you notice severe adverse reactions after taking TriCor.
Dosage and Intake:
Dosage may vary with each patient. So it is best to consult your health care provider first before taking TriCor. To increase the drug's potential, it is advised that you take the pill with meals, drink a glass full of water after medication and take it on a regular basis. TriCor tablets comes 48mg and 145mg strengths.
Warnings:
TriCor should not be used by those mothers who are nursing their babies. It is rated FDA pregnancy category C. Thought it is not known whether this medicine is harmful to an unborn baby, pregnant mothers or those planning on becoming pregnant should not take this medication without talking to their doctors first.
No drinking of alcohol when taking TriCor, because it can raise your triglyceride levels which may lead to a damage liver. Anybody with hypothyroidism, liver disease, kidney disease or diabetes should not take this drug.
Tell your doctor if you are taking other prescription drugs like, herbal medicines, supplements, vitamins, etc. so he or she can adjust the dosage or provide you with other alternative drugs. It is crucial to know that TriCor might interact with other drugs. Identified drugs that interact with fenofibrate includes the blood thinner Coumadin, Neoral/Sandimmune or Gengraf and other medicines that aid in lowering cholesterol levels such as Lipitor, Pravachol, Baycol, Zocor, Mevacor and Lescol. Again, alcohol drinking is also prohibited if you are taking TriCor.
TriCor is certainly helpful in terms of treating high triglyceride and high cholesterol levels, but it should be taken with medical advice. Talk to your doctor before taking this or any drug.