TRICOR

Drug Name: TRICOR

TRICOR DESCRIPTION:
FENOFIBRATE - ORAL (fen-oh-FIBB-rate)

COMMON TRICOR BRAND NAME(S):
Tricor

TRICOR SIDE EFFECTS:
Upset stomach, constipation, headache, dizziness or trouble sleeping may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, fever. Very unlikely but report promptly: decreased sexual drive, yellowing eyes or skin, stomach pain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE TRICOR:
TRICOR: TRICOR is taken by mouth with food as directed. Dosage is adjusted based on your condition and response. The maximum daily dose is 200 mg. Separate doses of TRICOR and any bile acid resin drug (e.g., colestipol or cholestyramine) by at least 4 hours. Full effects of TRICOR may take up to 3 months to occur.

TRICOR USES:
TRICOR is used along with a non-drug program (including diet changes) to treat cholesterol and lipid disorders.

TRICOR PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, diabetes, liver and/or kidney disease, gallbladder disease, low thyroid (hypothyroidism), muscle disorders. In the U.S. - TRICOR should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. In Canada - TRICOR must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Women of childbearing age should use an effective form of birth control. Stop using TRICOR for several months before planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether TRICOR is excreted into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using TRICOR is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

TRICOR DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), "statin" drugs (e.g., lovastatin, simvastatin), cyclosporine, MAO Inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, furazolidone, tranylcypromine, phenelzine, moclobemide), certain diabetic medicine (sulfonylureas such as glipizide; and insulin), estrogens/birth control pills. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

TRICOR OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

TRICOR NOTES:
Do not share TRICOR with others. Diet changes, weight loss (if overweight), exercise and drug therapy all are critical to reduce and control your cholesterol and lipids (fats in the blood). Consult your doctor about how to lower your heart disease risk factors. Laboratory tests will be performed to monitor TRICOR.

MISSED TRICOR DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

TRICOR STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.