Fibricor

Fibricor helps lower cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood. High levels of these fats in the blood are linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).

Fibricor is sometimes prescribed along with other medications that lower cholesterol.

Fibricor may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take Fibricor with or without food.

Swallow the tablet or capsule whole and do not crush, chew, dissolve, or open it.

You may need frequent medical tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if Fibricor is effective.

Fibricor is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not take Fibricor if you have liver disease, gallbladder disease, severe kidney disease, or if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Fibricor can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to Fibricor or fenofibrate, or if you have:

• severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• liver disease; or
• gallbladder disease.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 5 days after your last dose.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or
• gallbladder problems.

Fibricor can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This occurs more often in older adults, or people who have kidney disease, diabetes, or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Fibricor is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, a red or purple rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

In rare cases, Fibricor can cause a condition that breaks down skeletal muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine.

Also call your doctor immediately if you have:

• sharp stomach pain that spreads to your back or shoulder blade;
• loss of appetite, stomach pain right after eating a meal;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• fever, chills, weakness, sore throat, mouth sores, unusual bruising or bleeding;
• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or
• swelling, warmth, or redness in an arm or leg.

Common side effects of Fibricor may include:

• runny nose, sneezing; or
• abnormal lab test results.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or Fibricor will not be as effective.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage.

Some medicines can make Fibricor much less effective when taken at the same time. If you take any of the following medicines, take your Fibricor dose 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after you take the other medicine.

• cholestyramine;
• colesevelam; or
• colestipol.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• other cholesterol lowering medicines;
• colchicine;
• a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or
• drugs that weaken the immune system such as cancer medicine, steroids, and medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Fibricor, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.