Tricor is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories.
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.)
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:
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 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.
When and How Do I Take Tricor?
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Tricor comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth once a day.
- You are recommended to take it with a drink of water, and you may take it with or without food.
- It 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 it 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 dose more than one hour before, or more than four hours after, the bile acid sequestrant. Bile acid sequestrants include:
Dosing Information
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.)
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects; but not everyone who takes the medicine will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When people do develop 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 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 for a more detailed list of specific side effects 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.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?
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 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, side effects can occur, and people may wish to consider a substitute for the medication. These substitutes could include other fibrates,
statins, or other
cholesterol medicines.
People who take too much Tricor may experience the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach discomfort.
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Storage Methods for Tricor
Tricor should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. It should be protected from light and moisture.
Keep Tricor and all other medications out of the reach of children.
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 take a double dose.
Tricor is available as tablets in two strengths:
