Use: Adjunct to diet therapy for the treatment of adults with very high elevations of serum triglyceride levels (types IV and V hyperlipidemia) who are at risk of pancreatitis and who do not respond adequately to a determined dietary effort.

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to fenofibrate or any component of the formulation, hepatic or severe renal dysfunction including primary biliary cirrhosis and unexplained liver function abnormalities; pre-existing gallbladder disease. Patients should avoid alcohol.

Adverse Reactions: abdominal pain, constipation, abnormal liver function tests, creatine phosphokinase increased, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, gastritis, vomiting, hypoglycemia, and kidney function abnormalities.
 
 

	Mechanism of Action: TriCor is believed to increase very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) catabolism by enhancing the synthesis of lipoprotein lipase; as a result of a decrease in VLDL levels, total plasma triglycerides are reduced by 30-60%. Pharmacodynamics: Absorption: 60-90% when given with meals. Distribution: Widely to most tissues except brain or eye; concentrates in liver, kidneys, and gut. Protein Binding: >99% Metabolism: Metabolized to its active form, fenofibric acid, by tissue and plasma esterases. Time to Peak: 4-6 hours Excretion: Urine (60-93% metabolites); feces (5-25%). Nutrition: Take with food to increase absorption and decrease gastrointestinal distress. Administration: 6-8 weeks of therapy is required to determine efficacy. Monitoring Parameters: Total serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentration, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) levels should be monitored periodically. Serum transaminases should be monitored every 3 months. Dosage Forms: Capsule- 67 mg  Tablet- 54 mg, 160 mg Additional Information: Visit the TriCor Web Site, which has  information on TriCor and cholesterol. The web site offers a one-page information sheet called 10 Quick Facts About Cholesterol Management and a brochure called Keeping Track of Your Cholesterol and Triglycerides.