Lipidil (Fenofibrate)
Lipidil (Fenofibrate) Dosage and Side Effects
LIPIDIL EZ reduces levels of low density cholesterol (LDL-C or bad cholesterol), and other lipids called triglycerides (fatty substances found in the blood), while increasing levels of high density cholesterol (HDL-C or good cholesterol) in the blood.
Proper Use of this medication
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LIPIDIL EZ (NanoCrystal Formulation) may be taken once daily, anytime, with or without food. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet.
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The recommended dose of LIPIDIL EZ is one 145 mg tablet daily.
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In elderly patients and those with mild to moderate kidney disease, the doctor may initiate treatment with one 48 mg tablet daily, taken anytime, with or without food. The doctor may later decide to increase this dose.
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Never change the dose unless directed by your doctor.
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LIPIDIL EZ is not recommended for use in children.
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The safety of using LIPIDIL EZ in combination with a statin has not been extensively studied in patients. Therefore, the combined use of fenofibrate with a statin should be avoided unless recommended by your doctor.
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Another type of cholesterol lowering agent called ezetimibe can also be taken with LIPIDIL EZ.
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Tell your doctor about any health problem that occurs while you are taking LIPIDIL EZ. If you need other medical treatment while taking LIPIDIL EZ, let your doctor know that you are taking LIPIDIL EZ.
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If you forget a dose, take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Side Effects
In addition to its intended action, any medicine may cause side effects.
Tell your doctor if you feel in any way unwell while taking LIPIDIL EZ.
Some common side effects may include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, skin reactions, fatigue and raised levels of liver enzymes in the blood. This is not a complete list of side effects. If you experience any unexpected symptoms while taking LIPIDIL EZ, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Stop taking LIPIDIL EZ and see a doctor straight away, if you notice any of the following serious side effects—you may need urgent medical treatment:
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allergic reaction—the signs may include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, which may cause difficulty in breathing
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stomach pain—this may be a sign that your pancreas is inflamed (pancreatitis)
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chest pain and feeling breathless—these may be signs of a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism)
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pain, redness or swelling in the legs—these may be signs of a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis)
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yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), or an increase in liver enzymes—these may be signs of an inflamed liver (hepatitis).
Muscle pain or cramps, or muscle weakness, may indicate rare, but more serious, side effects. If you suffer any unexplained muscle pain, stop the drug and contact your doctor immediately.
Warnings and Precautions
Do Not Use LIPIDIL EZ if:
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you have liver or kidney problems;
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you have gallbladder problems;
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you have pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas which causes abdominal pain);
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you are allergic to fenofibrate or similar drug or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in LIPIDIL EZ tablets;
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you are allergic (hypersensitive) to peanuts or arachis oil or soya lecithin or related products due to risk of allergic reaction;
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you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby; in the event of pregnancy during treatment, your doctor should be informed and LIPIDIL EZ should be discontinued;
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you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed your baby;
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you have a photoallergy (skin sensitivity to sunlight or UV light) when taking a fibrate (a class of drugs used for lowering cholesterol, which includes LIPIDIL EZ and gemfibrozol) or an anti-inflammatory drug called ketoprofen;
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you are taking statins and have muscle problems or have potential risks of developing muscle problems;
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you are under 18 years of age.
Before Starting Treatment with This Medicine:
Your doctor must know:
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if you have had an allergic reaction to (or poorly tolerated) LIPIDIL EZ, any of its ingredients, or any other lipid treatment;
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if you suffer from liver or kidney problems;
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if you have an inflamed liver (hepatitis)—signs include yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice) and an increase in liver enzymes (shown in blood tests);
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if you have pancreas problems;
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if you have a gallbladder or gallstone problem;
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if you have an under-active thyroid gland (hypo-thyroidism);
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if you are pregnant, or intend to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, or intend to breast-feed;
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if you are taking any other medicine, prescription or non-prescription. Of particular concern are:
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Statins (a class of drugs, which includes atorvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, etc., used to lower cholesterol). Taking a statin at the same time as LIPIDIL EZ may increase the risk of muscle problems
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Oral anticoagulants (blood thinning agents, such as warfarin)
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Cyclosporine (a drug which may be taken following an organ transplant)
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Cholestyramine or similar drug (another type of cholesterol lowering agent)
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Estrogens (hormones which may be found in oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy)
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A particular class of medicines to treat diabetes (such as rosiglitazone or pioglitazone)
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Your doctor will ask you to have regular medical check-ups and appropriate laboratory tests. It is important to respect the dates proposed for these tests: we strongly recommend that you keep these appointments faithfully so that any abnormalities that may occur can be identified promptly. These problems can include muscle inflammation and breakdown, which can cause kidney damage or even death. The risk of muscle breakdown is higher in some patients. Tell your doctor if:
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you are over 70 years old;
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you have kidney problems;
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you have thyroid problems;
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you or a close family member has a muscle problem which runs in the family;
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you drink large amounts of alcohol;
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you are taking medicines called statins to lower cholesterol such as simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin or fluvastatin;
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you have ever had muscle problems during treatment with fibrates such as fenofibrate, bezafibrate or gemfibrozil.
Other related products
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
