Fenofibrate - oral

Fenofibrate helps lower your cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood.

Excessive cholesterol and triglycerides in your body can clog up your blood vessels. This can lead to many health problems such as stroke and heart diseases, including heart attack.

Fenofibrate is meant to be taken as part of a complete cholesterol management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different brands of Fenofibrate may be taken differently. Try to take it at the same time each day.

This medicine is available as a tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet or capsule.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of the treatment depending on your condition and response to the medication.

Fenofibrate must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• severe kidney disease
• liver disease
• bile duct or gall bladder disease
• inflammation of the pancreas not caused by high fat levels in the blood

as Fenofibrate may not be suitable for you.

Do not breastfeed while being treated with this medicine.

Do not give Fenofibrate to children unless instructed to do so by the doctor.

Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) or skin sensitivity reaction from sunlight/UV light to similar medicines such as ketoprofen (medicine for pain and inflammation) or other fibrates.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• diabetes
• with or a history of muscle disorders
• thyroid disease e.g. underactive thyroid
• blockage in blood vessel by a blood clot

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.

Be sure to check with your doctor before giving this medicine to an elderly.

Notify your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker.

For as long as you are taking Fenofibrate, you will need to have regular blood tests to monitor your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these blood tests.

What lifestyle changes should I make to reduce my cholesterol levels?

A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are keys to help you reduce your cholesterol levels. Try to control the type and amount of food that you eat each meal. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet and avoid eating fried foods or foods that are high in fat. If you have not been exercising, start slow and gradually step up your exercise capacity.

Fenofibrate may cause any of the following side effects: headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, stomach wind, skin reactions or sensitivity to light.

Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:

• persistent muscle pain, cramps, weakness or numbness
• severe stomach pain
• yellowing of the skin or the eyes
• chest pain, difficulty in breathing
• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of eyes or mouth

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• other cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. atorvastatin, simvastatin, ezetimibe
• ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplant and certain immune disorders)
• warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
• colchicine (medicine for gout)
• pioglitazone (medicine for diabetes)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Fenofibrate.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.