Fenofibrate
Fenofibrate is a fibrate used in the UK mainly for high triglycerides and some mixed lipid problems when diet and statins (if suitable) are not enough. It is prescribed under medical supervision with periodic blood tests.
This medicine is part of the Blood pressure, cholesterol & related category.
Generic name: fenofibrate
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Fenofibrate is a fibrate used in the UK mainly for high triglycerides and some mixed lipid problems when diet and statins (if suitable) are not enough.
How long does it take to work?
Cholesterol levels change gradually; your practice may recheck blood tests after you have taken it regularly for a period your prescriber sets.
What are common side effects?
Indigestion, nausea, headache, or raised liver enzymes on tests.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Fenofibrate with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Fenofibrate is used for
Fenofibrate is a fibrate used in the UK mainly for high triglycerides and some mixed lipid problems when diet and statins (if suitable) are not enough.
It is prescribed under medical supervision with periodic blood tests.
How does Fenofibrate work, and how long does it take to work?
It activates PPAR-alpha pathways, lowering triglycerides and sometimes affecting other lipid fractions.
It does not replace heart-healthy eating and activity.
How and when should you take Fenofibrate?
Different brands have different meal timing rules — read your leaflet carefully. Some capsules are taken with food.
Swallow whole; do not open capsules unless specifically instructed.
What are the common side effects of Fenofibrate?
Indigestion, nausea, headache, or raised liver enzymes on tests.
Muscle aches are possible, especially with statin co-therapy.
Serious side effects of Fenofibrate — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for severe muscle pain with weakness, pancreatitis-type severe upper abdominal pain, or allergic reactions.
Gallstones can be more likely in some people — report severe right upper abdominal pain.
What if you miss a dose of Fenofibrate?
Take when remembered with food if your brand requires food; do not double.
Who should not take Fenofibrate?
Gallbladder disease, severe kidney or liver impairment, and pregnancy are cautions. Pancreatitis history needs review.
Always list all lipid-lowering drugs.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Fenofibrate? — other interactions
Statin combinations increase muscle risk; Warfarin may need closer INR monitoring. Ciclosporin interactions are important.
Fenofibrate in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not used in pregnancy. Breastfeeding advice is individual.
Blood tests and monitoring on Fenofibrate
Lipids, liver tests, and CK may be checked, especially when combined with statins.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Fenofibrate?
Omega-3 prescriptions, stricter diet, or other agents may be considered by specialists.
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Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
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Frequently asked questions about Fenofibrate
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Fenofibrate used for?
- Fenofibrate is a fibrate used in the UK mainly for high triglycerides and some mixed lipid problems when diet and statins (if suitable) are not enough. It is prescribed under medical supervision with periodic blood tests.
- How long does Fenofibrate take to work?
- Cholesterol levels change gradually; your practice may recheck blood tests after you have taken it regularly for a period your prescriber sets. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Fenofibrate with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Fenofibrate with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Fenofibrate?
- Indigestion, nausea, headache, or raised liver enzymes on tests. Muscle aches are possible, especially with statin co-therapy. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Why take fenofibrate with food?
- Some formulations absorb better with a meal — your patient leaflet specifies whether food is needed for your exact capsule or tablet.
- Can fenofibrate damage the liver?
- Liver enzymes can rise; your prescriber arranges blood tests and may stop the medicine if changes are significant — attend monitoring appointments.
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