Generic Fenofibrate (Fenofibrate)

Introduction

Fenofibrate is a lipid-modifying agent used primarily to lower elevated triglyceride levels and to improve the overall lipid profile in adults with dyslipidemia. The medication is available in oral tablet form at strengths of 160 mg and 200 mg. It belongs to the class of fibric acid derivatives and is approved by major regulatory agencies-including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA)-for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, mixed dyslipidemia, and for the reduction of pancreatitis risk in patients with severe triglyceride elevations. In addition to its approved uses, fenofibrate is sometimes employed off-label in clinical practice for conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and peripheral arterial disease, though these applications lack formal regulatory endorsement.

What is Fenofibrate?

Fenofibrate is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound fenofibrate. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option. The drug is marketed under brand names such as Tricor, Antara, and Lofibra. Developed in the s as part of the fibric acid class, fenofibrate was first approved for use in the United States in 1993. It is manufactured by several licensed pharmaceutical companies and is supplied in tablet form for oral administration.

How Fenofibrate Works

Fenofibrate activates the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α). Activation of PPAR-α increases transcription of genes involved in fatty-acid oxidation, reduces synthesis of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and enhances clearance of triglyceride-rich particles from the bloodstream. The net effect is a decrease in serum triglycerides, modest reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Onset of lipid-lowering effects typically occurs within 1-2 weeks of daily dosing, and steady-state plasma concentrations are reached after approximately 4 weeks. Fenofibrate is extensively metabolized in the liver and excreted mainly via biliary pathways, with an elimination half-life of about 20 hours.

Conditions Treated with Fenofibrate

• Primary Hypertriglyceridemia - Fenofibrate reduces triglyceride concentrations by up to 50 % in patients with markedly elevated levels, thereby lowering the risk of pancreatitis.
• Mixed Dyslipidemia - In individuals with combined elevations of triglycerides and LDL-C, fenofibrate improves the overall lipid profile by decreasing triglycerides and VLDL while modestly raising HDL-C.
• Familial Hypercholesterolemia (Adjunct Therapy) - When used alongside statins, fenofibrate can provide additional triglyceride reduction in patients with mixed lipid disorders.
• Prevention of Acute Pancreatitis - For patients with triglyceride levels > 500 mg/dL, fenofibrate is approved to reduce the incidence of pancreatitis by lowering triglyceride burden.

These indications are supported by large-scale clinical trials such as the ACCORD Lipid Study and the FIELD (Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes) trial, which demonstrated consistent triglyceride reductions and favorable effects on HDL-C.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Fenofibrate

• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) - Several peer-reviewed studies suggest that fenofibrate can improve hepatic steatosis and liver enzyme profiles by enhancing fatty-acid oxidation. Use remains off-label, and long-term outcomes are still under investigation.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) - Small clinical series have reported improved walking distance and reduced claudication symptoms when fenofibrate is added to standard therapy, likely due to its effects on lipid metabolism and endothelial function.
• Cardiovascular Event Reduction in Diabetic Patients - The FIELD trial explored fenofibrate’s impact on cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes; while primary endpoints were not met, secondary analyses indicated a modest reduction in non-fatal myocardial infarction. This use is not approved by regulatory agencies.

All off-label applications should be undertaken only under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. The efficacy and safety of these indications have not been formally validated by the FDA, EMA, or other regulatory bodies.

Is Fenofibrate the Right Medication for You?

Fenofibrate is most appropriate for adult patients who:

• Have documented fasting triglyceride levels ≥ 200 mg/dL, especially when levels exceed 500 mg/dL.
• Exhibit mixed dyslipidemia characterized by elevated triglycerides and low HDL-C.
• Are at risk for pancreatitis due to severe hypertriglyceridemia.

Clinical scenarios in which fenofibrate is particularly recommended include patients who cannot achieve target triglyceride levels with diet and lifestyle alone, or those who require an adjunct to statin therapy for residual triglyceride elevations.

Contraindications - Fenofibrate should not be used in patients with severe hepatic impairment, active gallbladder disease, or known hypersensitivity to fenofibrate or any component of the tablet. Caution is advised in individuals with renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) and in those receiving concomitant medications that affect CYP450 metabolism or increase myopathy risk.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Gastrointestinal discomfort (abdominal pain, nausea, dyspepsia)
• Headache
• Mild elevation of liver enzymes (ALT, AST)

Rare

• Elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) without clinical myopathy
• Gallstone formation (especially in patients with pre-existing biliary disease)

Serious

• Myopathy / Rhabdomyolysis - Particularly when combined with statins (especially simvastatin) or CYP3A4 inhibitors.
• Severe Hepatotoxicity - Acute liver injury marked by jaundice, hepatic failure, or marked transaminase elevation.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions - Including skin rash, urticaria, or anaphylaxis.

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Statins - Concomitant use increases the risk of myopathy; dose adjustment or alternative statin selection may be required.
• Warfarin - Fenofibrate can potentiate anticoagulant effect, necessitating more frequent INR monitoring.
• Cytochrome P450 Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) - May increase fenofibrate plasma concentrations.
• Cholestyramine, Colestipol - Bile-acid sequestrants reduce fenofibrate absorption; separate dosing times by at least 1 hour.

Drug-Food Interactions

• Taking fenofibrate with a high-fat meal improves bioavailability; patients should generally ingest the tablet with food.
• Excessive alcohol consumption may exacerbate hepatic side effects and should be avoided.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard Dosing - The usual adult dose is one tablet of 160 mg or 200 mg taken once daily with a meal. Dose selection depends on the severity of triglyceride elevation and renal function. For patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-50 mL/min), the 160 mg dose is often preferred.

Missed Dose - If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as remembered unless it is near the time of the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed tablet and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.

Overdose - Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or dizziness. Management is supportive and symptomatic; there is no specific antidote. Patients should seek immediate medical attention and contact their local poison control center.

Practical Precautions -

• Administer the tablet with a meal to enhance absorption.
• Avoid concurrent use of excessive alcohol.
• Refrain from operating heavy machinery or driving if you experience dizziness or severe gastrointestinal upset.

FAQ

• Can I travel internationally with fenofibrate tablets? Yes. Keep the medication in its original packaging, carry a copy of the prescription or a physician’s note, and store the tablets in a cool, dry place during travel.

• Will fenofibrate affect my blood sugar levels? Fenofibrate has a modest effect on glucose metabolism; it may slightly improve insulin sensitivity, but it does not replace antidiabetic therapy.

• What does the tablet look like? Commercial fenofibrate tablets are typically round, film-coated, and may be pink (160 mg) or orange (200 mg). In generic form, appearance can vary by manufacturer but remains a solid, scored tablet.

• Are there any inactive ingredients I should be aware of? Common excipients include lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. Patients with lactose intolerance should consult their pharmacist for alternative formulations.

• Is fenofibrate safe for patients with mild liver disease? Fenofibrate should be used cautiously in mild hepatic impairment; liver function tests must be monitored before and during therapy.

• Can fenofibrate be detected in drug testing? Fenofibrate is not a controlled substance and does not appear on standard drug-of-abuse panels.

• How should I store fenofibrate tablets? Store at room temperature (20-25 °C), away from excess heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

• Does fenofibrate interact with dietary supplements? Certain omega-3 fatty acid supplements may have additive lipid-lowering effects; however, high doses of niacin can increase the risk of flushing and should be discussed with a clinician.

• What is the difference between immediate-release and extended-release fenofibrate? Immediate-release tablets are taken once daily with a meal, while extended-release formulations allow for less frequent dosing and may have a lower peak plasma concentration, potentially reducing gastrointestinal side effects.

• Is fenofibrate compatible with contraceptive pills? No clinically significant interaction has been reported; however, any changes in medication should be reviewed with a healthcare professional.

Glossary

Triglycerides

A type of fat found in the blood; high levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis.

PPAR-α (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Alpha)

A nuclear receptor that regulates genes involved in fatty-acid metabolism; activation lowers triglyceride levels.

Myopathy

Muscle weakness or pain that can result from drug-induced injury, especially when fenofibrate is combined with statins.

Buying Fenofibrate from Our Online pharmacy

Patients seeking a reliable and affordable source of fenofibrate can obtain the medication through our online pharmacy. We source the generic product from licensed, internationally recognized suppliers, ensuring that each tablet meets stringent quality standards.

• Cost Efficiency - By purchasing directly from the manufacturer’s network, we can offer prices that approach the original wholesale cost, reducing the financial burden on patients.
• Verified Quality - All fenofibrate batches are verified by regulatory-compliant quality control laboratories before shipment.
• Discreet Delivery - Packages are shipped in unmarked, secure envelopes, and we offer both express (approximately 7 days) and regular airmail (around 3 weeks) options to suit your timing needs.
• Global Access - Our pharmacy broker service collaborates with overseas licensed pharmacies, enabling access to medications that may be unavailable locally or restricted by insurance formularies.

By choosing our service, you gain a confidential, trustworthy pathway to obtain fenofibrate without the need for in-person pharmacy visits. Our dedicated support team is available to answer product-related questions and to confirm that you receive the correct dosage form for your treatment plan.

Disclaimer

The information presented about fenofibrate is intended for general educational purposes and does not substitute professional medical advice. Treatment decisions, including those involving off-label applications, should be made only under the guidance of a qualified health-care practitioner. Readers are presumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health choices. Our online pharmacy supplies fenofibrate to individuals who may encounter limited availability through conventional pharmacies, insurance-based prescription programs, or who are searching for affordable generic alternatives. Always discuss any new medication, dosage changes, or discontinuation with your physician before proceeding.