From the Guidelines
The typical dosage of fenofibrate for treating high triglycerides is 145 mg once daily, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. Start with this dose and take it with food to improve absorption. For patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides >500 mg/dL), the dose may be increased to 145 mg twice daily if needed, but always consult your doctor before adjusting the dose, considering the potential risk for adverse effects, especially when combined with statins 1. Take fenofibrate at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels. It may take several weeks to see the full effect on triglyceride levels, so continue taking it as prescribed even if you don't notice immediate changes. Monitor your triglyceride levels regularly through blood tests as directed by your healthcare provider, who may adjust your dose based on your response and tolerance, also considering renal status and potential interactions with other medications 1. Fenofibrate works by increasing the breakdown of triglycerides and reducing their production in the liver, also helping to raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels. While taking fenofibrate, maintain a healthy diet low in saturated fats and simple sugars, exercise regularly, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption to support the medication's effectiveness in managing your triglyceride levels, as lifestyle modifications are crucial in the management of hypertriglyceridemia 1. Some key considerations include evaluating renal function before initiating fenofibrate and avoiding its use in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment, as well as being cautious when combining it with statins due to the increased risk of myopathy 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Severe hypertriglyceridemia: Initial dose of 54 mg to 160 mg once daily. Maximum dose is 160 mg. (2. 3)
The dosage treatment for hypertriglyceridemia with Fenofibrate (Fenofibric acid) is an initial dose of 54 mg to 160 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 160 mg 2.
- The dose should be given with meals.
- The dose for renally impaired patients should be adjusted, with an initial dose of 54 mg once daily.
- The dose for geriatric patients should be selected based on renal function.
From the Research
Dosage Treatment for Hypertriglyceridemia with Fenofibrate
The dosage treatment for hypertriglyceridemia with Fenofibrate (Fenofibric acid) varies based on the specific formulation and the patient's condition.
- The suprabioavailable tablet formulation of fenofibrate has increased bioavailability, achieving equivalent plasma concentrations at lower doses 3.
- The 67- and 200-mg micronized capsules can be considered equivalent to the 54- and 160-mg suprabioavailable tablets, respectively 3.
- In one study, patients with hypertriglyceridemia were treated with micronized fenofibrate 67 mg daily, which resulted in a 36.8% reduction in triglycerides 4.
- Another study used fenofibrate 145 mg once daily for 4 months to treat elevated serum triglyceride concentrations in persons with spinal cord injury 5.
- Fenofibrate 130 mg daily was also used in combination with prescription omega-3 fatty acids to reduce triglyceride levels in subjects with very high triglyceride levels 6.
- A study comparing the long-term efficacy and safety of fenofibrate and a statin in the treatment of combined hyperlipidemia used fenofibrate 300 mg once daily or micronized fenofibrate 200 mg once daily 7.
Key Findings
- Fenofibrate is effective in lowering triglyceride levels and increasing HDL-C levels 3.
- The LDL-C-lowering effect of fenofibrate is greater than that of gemfibrozil 3.
- Fenofibrate therapy has been associated with increases in serum aminotransferase levels, and clinical monitoring of these markers of liver function should be performed regularly 3.
- The safety profile of fenofibrate in persons with spinal cord injury appears to be similar to that in the general population 5.