Lofat

Indications

Fenofibrate is used together with a low-fat diet, exercise and weight control to treat:

• high triglycerides (a type of blood fat), especially when they are very high;
• mixed high cholesterol and high triglycerides, when a statin is not suitable or not enough on its own, in which case it may be added to a statin.

How It Works

Fenofibrate belongs to the fibrate group. It activates a natural switch in the liver (PPAR-alpha) that helps the body break down and clear fats from the blood. This lowers triglycerides and LDL ("bad") cholesterol and raises HDL ("good") cholesterol.

Dosage and Administration

Adults: the dose depends on the type of capsule or tablet. A common dose is one 200 mg micronised capsule once a day, taken with the main meal, or as prescribed; other forms use 145 mg or 160 mg once a day. Do not switch between forms without advice.

Kidney problems: the dose may need lowering, and it is avoided in severe kidney disease. Children: not usually used. Blood fats are rechecked after a few months to see if treatment is working.

Interactions

Fenofibrate can increase the effect of Warfarin and similar blood thinners, so the dose may need lowering and blood tests checked. Taking it with a statin slightly raises the risk of muscle problems. Ciclosporin increases the risk of kidney problems. Bile acid binders (such as Cholestyramine) should be taken at least 1 hour after or 4 to 6 hours before Fenofibrate. Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins and herbal products you take.

Contraindications

• Severe liver disease, or severe kidney disease
• Gallbladder disease or gallstones
• Pancreatitis, unless caused by very high triglycerides
• Past skin reaction to sunlight while taking a fibrate or Ketoprofen
• Allergy to Fenofibrate or any ingredient (some products contain soya or peanut oil)
• Breastfeeding

Side Effects

Common: stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, wind, and mild rises in liver enzymes seen on blood tests.

Less often: headache, rash, itching, sensitivity to sunlight, gallstones and muscle aches.

Get medical help at once for unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially with fever or dark urine; severe stomach pain that may spread to the back; yellowing of the skin or eyes; pain and swelling in one leg or sudden chest pain and breathlessness; or swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is not enough information on safety in pregnancy; use only if the doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk. Do not use while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• Liver and kidney blood tests are usually checked before and during treatment.
• Take extra care if you are older, have kidney problems, an underactive thyroid, or drink a lot of alcohol, as muscle problems are more likely.
• Keep following a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Overdose

There is little experience of overdose. If too much is taken, contact a doctor or go to hospital; treatment is supportive.

Therapeutic Class

Lipid-lowering medicine (fibrate).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.