From the Guidelines
Fenofibrate should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once daily with a meal to enhance absorption, and the dose should not exceed 54 mg/day if the eGFR is between 30 and 59 mL/min per 1.73 m2 1. When taking fenofibrate, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions carefully. The standard dosage ranges from 48 mg to 200 mg daily, depending on the specific formulation and your medical condition.
- Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with water; do not crush, chew, or open extended-release formulations.
- Take fenofibrate consistently at the same time each day to maintain steady blood levels.
- It's crucial to continue taking this medication even if you feel well, as it treats high triglyceride levels that may not cause noticeable symptoms. While taking fenofibrate, follow any recommended dietary restrictions and exercise regularly as these lifestyle changes work synergistically with the medication.
- Fenofibrate works by increasing the activity of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme that breaks down triglycerides, and by reducing the liver's production of VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein). Common side effects may include headache, back pain, or mild digestive issues.
- Contact your doctor if you experience muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, as these could indicate a rare but serious side effect. It is also important to note that renal status should be evaluated before fenofibrate initiation, within 3 months after initiation, and every 6 months thereafter, and fenofibrate should not be used if moderate or severe renal impairment is present 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
to take fenofibrate tablets once daily with a meal at the prescribed dose swallowing each tablet whole. The proper way to take fenofibrate is to take it once daily with a meal at the prescribed dose, and to swallow each tablet whole 2.
- Dosage: once daily
- Administration: with a meal
- Dose: as prescribed
- Tablet intake: swallow whole
From the Research
Administration of Fenofibrate
To take fenofibrate properly, consider the following points:
- Fenofibrate is a prodrug that is rapidly and completely hydrolyzed to fenofibric acid, the active moiety 3.
- It can be taken with or without food, as its bioavailability is not significantly affected by food intake 3, 4.
- The dosage of fenofibrate may vary depending on the specific formulation and the patient's condition, but typical doses range from 100 to 200 mg per day 5, 6.
Important Considerations
When taking fenofibrate:
- It is essential to monitor serum creatinine levels, as fenofibrate may cause elevations in serum creatinine concentrations 7.
- Patients should be aware of potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal complaints and rare elevations in liver function tests 7.
- Fenofibrate can be used in combination with other lipid-lowering agents, such as statins, to achieve better control of dyslipidemia 6.
Dosage and Formulations
Different formulations of fenofibrate are available, including: