Fibric Acid Derivatives for High Cholesterol
What To Think About
Be active and eat a cholesterol-lowering diet in addition to taking this medicine. Ask your doctor for advice on a diet that can help lower cholesterol. An example is the Reference Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet Opens New Window. For more information, see:
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all of the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or supplements.
If you are taking a statin as well as a fibrate medicine, watch for symptoms of muscle problems. If you have any muscle problems or pain, call your doctor right away. If you take both of these medicines, there is a greater risk for a serious muscle problem called Reference rhabdomyolysis Opens New Window.
Other medical problems. Be sure your doctor knows about any other medical problems you have. This includes:
- Gallbladder problems, including gallstones.
- Kidney disease.
- Liver disease.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Reference Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
Fenofibrate. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, tell your doctor. Do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. If you are breast-feeding, do not use this medicine. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Gemfibrozil. If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to get pregnant, tell your doctor. Do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) 
(What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you understand this medication.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: June 29, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology Reference Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology |
|
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
