Tricor

Other names used:

• Lipicard®

Active Ingredients:

• Fenofibrate

How does Tricor work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Tricor contains the active ingredient fenofibrate that belongs to a group of hypolipidemic agents called fibrates. Tricor works by activating the enzyme called lipoprotein lipase. This enzyme is responsible for the break down of lipids in the organism. Tricor possesses an ability to change the amount of lipids in the organism due to activation of the receptors PPAR-α. Through the activation of PPAR-α receptors Tricor enhances lypolisis and elimination out of the organism of low-density lipoproteins called "bad cholesterol".

Which conditions are treated with Tricor ?

Tricor is indicated for the treatment of:

• High cholesterol called hypercholesterolemia
• High triglycerides blood levels
• Prophylaxis of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications such as strokes and heart attacks

What should a patient know prior to taking the medication?

Tricor should not be taken in the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the medication ingredients
• Known allergic reaction to lecitin
• Liver failure
• Kidney failure
• Diseases of the gall bladder
• Inherent galactosemia
• Inherent fructose intolerance
• Children and adolescents under 18 years of age
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Photosensibilization
• Tricor should be used with caution in kidney dysfunction, hypothyroidism, alcohol abuse, elder patients, concomitant use of per oral blood thinners.

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

The most common side effects of Tricor include:

• Digestive system: pain in the stomach, nausea, vomiting,diarrhea, meteorism, increased amount of liver's transaminase, pancreatitis, formation of the bile stones, hepatitis
• Musculoskeletal system: myalgia, myositis, muscular spasms
• Cardiovascular system: thrombosis of the deep veins, thromboembolia of the pulmonary arteries
• Hematopoietic system: increased amount of hemoglobin, high leukocyte blood levels
• CNS: erectile dysfunction, headache
• Respiratory system: interstitial pneumonopathy
• Laboratory indexes: increased amount of creatinine and urea in the blood
• Allergic reactions: skin rash, hives, itching, photosensibilization, alopecia

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Tricor ?

The drug is affected by the following:

• HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
• Blood thinners(warfarin)
• Bile acid sequestrants (resins)
• Immune suppression therapy(cyclosporine)

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient:

Tricor is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.