Tricor: Uses & Side Effects

TriCor (fenofibrate) belongs to a group of drugs known as “fibrates”. It helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood. High levels of these types of fat in the blood are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).

TriCor is used along with a proper diet to help to treat high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels.

In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help TriCor work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take TriCor if you are allergic to fenofibrate, or if you have:

  • severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
  • liver disease; or
  • gallbladder disease.

Do not breast-feed while using this medicine, and for at least 5 days after your last dose.

To make sure TriCor is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • kidney disease;
  • liver disease; or
  • gallbladder problems.

Fenofibrate can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who have kidney disease, diabetes, or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

TriCor is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to TriCor(hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

In rare cases, fenofibrate can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

  • sharp stomach pain spreading to your back or shoulder blade;
  • loss of appetite, stomach pain just after eating a meal;
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • fever, chills, weakness, sore throat, mouth sores, unusual bruising or bleeding;
  • chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or
  • swelling, warmth, or redness in an arm or leg.

Common TriCor side effects may include:

  • runny nose, sneezing; or
  • abnormal laboratory tests.


Keywords: TriCor; fenofibrate.

* The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
+ Ask Questions