Fenofibrate

USES
This medication is used along with a non-drug program (including diet changes) to treat cholesterol and lipid disorders.

HOW TO USE
This medication may be taken with or without food. Dosage is adjusted based on your condition and response. The maximum daily dose is 200 mg. Separate doses of this drug and any bile acid resin drug (e.g., colestipol or cholestyramine) by at least 4 hours. Full effects of this drug may take up to 3 months to occur.

SIDE EFFECTS
Upset stomach, constipation, headache, dizziness or trouble sleeping may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, fever. Very unlikely but report promptly: decreased sexual drive, yellowing eyes or skin, stomach pain. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, diabetes, liver and/or kidney disease, gallbladder disease, low thyroid (hypothyroidism), muscle disorders. In the U.S. - The manufacturer states this medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. In Canada - The manufacturer states this medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Women of childbearing age should use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this drug for several months before planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Use caution if the following drugs are combined with fenofibrate because serious side effects such as muscle injury (myopathy) infrequently could occur: "statins" (e.g., lovastatin, atorvastatin), high-dose niacin (1 gram or more per day). Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), cyclosporine, MAO Inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, furazolidone, tranylcypromine, phenelzine, moclobemide), certain diabetic medicine (sulfonylureas such as glipizide; and insulin), estrogens/birth control pills. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.