Fenofibric Acid

Fenofibric acid is a prescription drug commonly used to treat unhealthy triglyceride and cholesterol levels. By increasing the activity of an enzyme that breaks down triglyceride-rich particles and increases their removal from the body, the medication can help increase good cholesterol and reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides. This drug comes in the form of a delayed-release capsule that is generally taken once daily.

What Is Fenofibric Acid?

Fenofibric acid delayed-release (Trilipix or choline fenofibrate) is a prescription medication used for treating unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It works to lower bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), decrease triglycerides, and increase good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). Unlike other similar medications, it is approved to be used in combination with statins.
 
(Click What Is Fenofibric Acid Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Potential Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with fenofibric acid, but not everyone who takes it will experience problems.
 However, most people tolerate the drug quite well. When people do develop side effects, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or a healthcare professional. If side effects do occur, most people do not need to stop their medicine.
 
Some of the most common side effects with fenofibric acid include:
 
Keep in mind that if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if they are accompanied by a fever or a feeling of illness, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. This could be a sign of a serious, life-threatening muscle problem (see Trilipix and Muscle Pain for more information).
 
(Click Side Effects of Fenofibric Acid to learn more about the potential side effects of this drug.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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