Tricor

Tricor is a prescription drug used, in combination with diet and exercise, to lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels. The drug works by increasing the production of an enzyme that breaks down triglyceride-rich particles (VLDL) and increases their removal from the body. In previous clinical research studies, people taking Tricor 145 mg daily were able to reduce total cholesterol by 10 percent to 20 percent, "bad cholesterol" by 20 percent to 30 percent, and triglyceride levels by 20 percent to 55 percent. They were also able to raise "good cholesterol" by 10 percent to 20 percent. Tricor comes as a tablet taken once a day, with or without food.

 

What Is Tricor?

Tricor® (fenofibrate) is a prescription medication that is used to reduce triglycerides (a fat-like substance) and cholesterol levels in the body. Lowering the amounts of these substances may help to prevent conditions such as heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks. Tricor should be used in combination with diet and exercise.
 

Tricor Manufacturer

Tricor is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories.
 

What Is Tricor Used For?

Tricor has been licensed for several uses, including:
 
 
Tricor can actually cause an increase in LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) for people with very high levels of triglycerides (greater than 350mg/dL). Therefore, Tricor should be used with extreme caution or not at all in people with this condition who also have high levels of LDL cholesterol.
 
(Click Tricor Uses for more information on these specific uses.)
 

How Does Tricor Work?

Tricor is part of a class of drugs known as fibric acid derivatives (also known as fibrates). It works by increasing the production of an enzyme, known as lipoprotein lipase, that breaks down triglyceride-rich particles (VLDL) and increases their removal from the body. It can also decrease the amount of these particles made and released from the liver. Depending on the type of cholesterol problem you have, Tricor may also:
 

Tricor: Effects

Since Tricor can lower both LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels (along with lowering total cholesterol and increasing HDL), a person can decrease his or her risk of developing certain health problems in the future.
 
In previous Tricor clinical research studies, people taking Tricor 145 mg daily were able to:
 
  • Reduce triglyceride levels by 20 percent to 55 percent
  • Reduce LDL cholesterol by 20 percent to 30 percent*
  • Reduce total cholesterol by 10 percent to 20 percent
  • Raise HDL cholesterol by 10 percent to 20 percent.
     
*In studies in which people had triglyceride levels greater than 350mg/dL, Tricor actually raised LDL levels.
 

Tricor: When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Tricor include:
 
  • Tricor comes in a tablet form that is taken by mouth once a day.
     
  • You are recommended to take Tricor with a drink of water, and you may take it with or without food.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the Tricor tablets.
     
  • Tricor should be taken at the same time every day to help maintain an even level of the medicine in the blood. Do not take it more often than directed.
     
  • For Tricor to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Tricor will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • If you are taking a bile acid sequestrant, make sure to take your Tricor more than one hour before, or more than four hours after, the bile acid sequestrant. Bile acid sequestrants include:
o Cholestyramine (Prevalite®, Questran®, Questran Light®, LoCholest®)

Tricor: Dosing

The dose of Tricor that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As with any drug, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Tricor Dosage for more information about the proper dosing for Tricor.)
 

Side Effects of Tricor

(The Tricor side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects of Tricor. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
 
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Tricor; but not everyone who takes the medicine will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate Tricor well. When people do develop Tricor side effects, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. If side effects do occur, most people do not need to stop their medicine.
 
The most common Tricor side effects include:
 
Other side effects, occurring in less than 1 percent of people, include but are not limited to:
 
Keep in mind that if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially if you also have a fever or feel ill) it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. This could be a sign of a serious, life-threatening muscle problem.
 
(Click Tricor Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Tricor and other possible serious side effects to look out for.)
 

Drug Interactions With Tricor

There are a number of medications that may potentially interact with Tricor.
 
(Click Tricor Drug Interactions for more information about Tricor and these other medicines.)
 

Tricor: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Prior to taking Tricor, you should talk with your healthcare provider if you have:
 
  • Diabetes
  • Gallbladder disease or gallstones
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease or kidney failure
  • Liver disease or liver failure
  • Thyroid gland problems
  • An allergy to Tricor or any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
It is also important to let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • A frequent user of alcoholic beverages.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Tricor Precautions and Warnings for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Tricor.)
 

Alternatives to Tricor

Lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels should begin with lifestyle modifications. Some of these lifestyle changes include a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats, limited alcohol use, weight loss, and exercise. If lifestyle changes alone do not lower triglyceride or cholesterol levels to a desirable level, certain medications, such as Tricor, may be necessary.
 
In general, cholesterol treatment is aimed at lowering LDL cholesterol levels enough to reduce the risk of developing complications associated with high cholesterol (see Effects of High Cholesterol). The higher your risk, the lower your LDL goal will be.
 
(Click High Cholesterol Risk to see a list of risk factors that may affect your cholesterol level and some general guidelines about ideal LDL cholesterol levels.)
 
For most people, Tricor is quite effective at lowering cholesterol. It is also generally well-tolerated. However, Tricor side effects can occur and people may wish to consider a substitute for Tricor. These substitutes could include other fibrates, statins, or other cholesterol medicines.
 
(Click Tricor Alternatives to learn more about substitutes for Tricor.)
 

Tricor Overdose

People who take too much Tricor may experience the following symptoms:
 
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach discomfort.
     
If you happen to overdose on Tricor, seek medical attention immediately.
 

Tricor: Storage Methods

Tricor should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. It should be protected from light and moisture.
 
Keep Tricor and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Tricor: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Tricor, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Never double your dose of Tricor at one time.
 

Tricor: Strengths

Tricor is available as tablets in two strengths:
 
  • Tricor 48 mg
  • Tricor 145 mg.
     

Tricor: Generic

There is no generic Tricor currently available.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;