What is Fenofibrate? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Fenofibrate is a generic prescription drug that lowers cholesterol and fat levels in the blood. Doctors have six different formulations to choose from. They are sold as generic drugs or under a variety of brand names including Fenoglide, Tricor, Lipofen, and Antara. Dosages and administration vary between these different versions, so patients should always be clear on what version they’re taking.

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Fenofibrate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, Tricor

Generic Names:

  • Fenofibrate, micronized fenofibrate

Uses:

  • Lowers high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihyperlipidemic

Forms:

  • Capsule, tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Fenofibrate used for?

Fenofibrate treats high fats (hypertriglyceridemia) and high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) by lowering fats and cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Key takeaways

What form(s) does Fenofibrate come in?

  • Capsules

    • 30 mg, 90 mg

    • 50 mg, 150 mg

    • 67 mg, 134 mg, 200 mg

  • Tablets

    • 40 mg, 120 mg

    • 48 mg, 145 mg

    • 54 mg, 160 mg

What are common Fenofibrate dosages?

  • For primary hyperlipidemia:

    • 40 mg, 120 mg fenofibrate (Fenoglide): 120 mg taken once daily

    • 48 mg, 145 mg fenofibrate (Tricor): 145 mg taken once daily

    • 50 mg, 150 mg fenofibrate (Lipofen): 150 mg taken once daily

    • 54 mg, 160 mg fenofibrate: 160 mg taken once daily

    • 67 mg, 134 mg, 200 mg micronized fenofibrate: 200 mg taken once daily

    • Antara (30 mg, 90 mg): 90 mg taken once daily

  • For hypertriglyceridemia:

    • 40 mg, 120 mg fenofibrate (Fenoglide): 40–120 mg taken once daily 

    • 48 mg, 145 mg fenofibrate (Tricor): 48–145 mg taken once daily

    • 50 mg, 150 mg fenofibrate (Lipofen): 50–150 mg taken once daily

    • 54 mg, 160 mg fenofibrate: 54–160 mg taken once daily

    • 67 mg, 134 mg, 200 mg micronized fenofibrate: 67–200 mg taken once daily

    • Antara (30 mg, 90 mg): 30–90 mg taken once daily

Fenofibrate images - What does Fenofibrate look like?

  • Fenofibrate
    30 tablets bottle

  • Fenofibrate
    134mg capsule

  • Fenofibrate
    150mg capsule

  • Fenofibrate
    200mg capsule

  • Fenofibrate
    50mg capsule

  • Fenofibrate
    67mg capsule

  • Fenofibrate
    120mg tablet

  • Fenofibrate
    145mg tablet

  • Fenofibrate
    160mg tablet

  • Fenofibrate
    40mg tablet

  • Fenofibrate
    48mg tablet

  • Fenofibrate
    54mg tablet

How to take Fenofibrate

  • Take this medication as prescribed.

  • Please read any instruction sheet provided by the prescriber or pharmacist.

  • Take only one dose daily.

  • Always take the following fenofibrate medications with food:

    • 50 mg, 150 mg fenofibrate (Lipofen)

    • 54 mg, 160 mg fenofibrate

    • 67 mg, 134 mg, 200 mg fenofibrate

  • Take the following fenofibrate medications without regard to food:

    • 30 mg, 90 mg fenofibrate (Antara)

    • 40 mg, 120 mg fenofibrate (Fenoglide)

    • 48 mg, 145 mg fenofibrate (Tricor)

  • Swallow the tablet or capsule whole. Do not open or chew the capsule. Do not chew, break, or crush the tablet.

  • Store fenofibrate capsules at room temperature.

    • Protect Lipofen capsules from light and moisture.

  • Store fenofibrate tablets at room temperature protected from moisture.

What to do if you miss a dose of Fenofibrate

  • Ask the prescriber about what to do if a dose of fenofibrate is missed.

  • The rules for missed doses depend on the formulation prescribed.

  • Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Fenofibrate contraindications - Who shouldn't take Fenofibrate?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. 

  • Do not use fenofibrate if you:

    • Are breastfeeding

    • Have severe kidney disease

    • Have active liver disease

    • Have pre-existing gallbladder disease

    • Have had an allergic reaction to fenofibrate

Fenofibrate warnings

  • Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • Your doctor will need regularly to check on your progress and monitor the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

    • Kidney problems

    • Liver problems

    • Gallbladder problems

    • A history of blood clotting problems

  • Fenofibrate can cause serious problems including:

    • Muscle damage

    • Swelling of the pancreas

    • Gallstones

    • Blood clots

    • Heart rhythm abnormalities

    • Heart attack

    • Abnormal liver function

  • Women should not breastfeed when taking fenofibrate. The drug must be stopped for at least five days before it’s safe to breastfeed.

Fenofibrate interactions & what to avoid when taking Fenofibrate

  • To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use, particularly:

    • Statins 

    • Anticoagulants 

    • Drugs similar to fenofibrate called fibric acid derivatives

    • Colchicine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus

  • Tell the prescriber before starting any new medications or supplements.

People taking bile acid sequestrants should take their fenofibrate dose at least one hour before or four to six hours after taking the bile acid sequestrant dose.

Fenofibrate side effects - How does Fenofibrate make you feel?

Serious side effects

Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, abnormal pain, nausea, dark urine, abnormal stool, itchy skin

  • Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness

  • Abdominal pain

  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood

  • Difficulty breathing, wheezing, asthma-like symptoms

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Allergic reaction: Rash, hives, swelling of your face, lips, or tongue, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, chest tightness, fast or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, confusion, feeling faint

Less serious side effects

  • Abdominal pain

  • Back pain

  • Headache

Sources:

Fenofibrate News & Research

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