Tricor® (Fenofibrate) Tablets for High Triglycerides

Fenofibrate is a prescription lipid-lowering medicine used to reduce very high triglycerides and improve mixed cholesterol profiles in adults. It works alongside diet, exercise, and weight management. Options exist for those paying without insurance, with access to Canadian pricing that can ease out-of-pocket costs.

What Tricor® Is and How It Works

Tricor® is a brand name for fenofibrate, a fibrate that activates the PPAR‑alpha pathway to lower triglycerides, reduce very-low-density lipoprotein particles, and modestly raise HDL cholesterol. Through our cross-border model, medicines are available with US delivery from Canada when a valid prescription is provided.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. We verify your prescription with your clinic, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

By enhancing lipolysis of triglyceride-rich particles and decreasing apolipoprotein C‑III, fenofibrate improves clearance of circulating triglycerides. Many patients also see reductions in non‑HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. LDL responses vary depending on baseline triglycerides. Sustained lifestyle measures, limited alcohol, and management of secondary causes of dyslipidemia are important alongside therapy.

Who Tricor® Is For

Fenofibrate is indicated for adults with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia to reduce elevated LDL‑C, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, and to increase HDL‑C. It is also used in severe hypertriglyceridemia to help lower pancreatitis risk driven by very high triglyceride levels. It may be considered when triglycerides remain high despite optimized lifestyle and, when appropriate, statin therapy.

Use is generally avoided in active liver disease, persistent unexplained liver enzyme elevation, pre‑existing gallbladder disease, or severe renal impairment. It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to fenofibrate. Caution is advised in elderly adults, those with mild to moderate renal impairment, and those with hypothyroidism or diabetes with risk factors for myopathy. Fenofibrate is not typically used in pediatric patients or during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a prescriber determines the potential benefit outweighs risk.

For product exploration, see related categories such as High Cholesterol and Heart Health Medications.

Dosage and Usage

Fenofibrate dosing is individualized by indication, formulation, and renal function. Many modern tablet formulations are taken once daily and can be taken without regard to meals, while some older or micronized capsule products require dosing with food for proper absorption. Formulations are not always milligram-for-milligram interchangeable; the product label should be followed when switching brands or dosage forms.

Lipid parameters are typically reassessed after several weeks, and the dose may be adjusted based on response and tolerability. Baseline and periodic monitoring often includes fasting lipids, liver enzymes, and renal function. In mild to moderate renal impairment, lower starting doses and careful monitoring are customary; fenofibrate is generally avoided in severe renal disease.

When used with bile acid sequestrants, timing separation is recommended to reduce binding in the gut. A consistent diet and limited alcohol intake support treatment outcomes.

Strengths and Forms

Fenofibrate is available in multiple presentations; availability may vary by manufacturer and pharmacy. Common options include film‑coated tablets (for example, 48 mg and 145 mg) and micronized capsules (for example, 67 mg, 134 mg, and 200 mg). Some markets also carry fenofibric acid delayed‑release capsules (for example, 45 mg and 135 mg). The exact product dispensed depends on prescription details and supply.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a scheduled dose is missed, the typical guidance is to take it when remembered unless it is close to the time for the next dose. If it is near the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double up doses. Consistent daily timing helps maintain steady exposure.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store fenofibrate tablets or capsules at room temperature in a dry place away from excessive heat and moisture. Keep the original labeled container tightly closed. When traveling, carry medicines in hand luggage with the prescription label visible to simplify security checks and refill discussions if needed.

For general shipping reassurance, temperature-sensitive items ship with cold‑chain handling and insulated packaging. Although fenofibrate is not typically temperature sensitive, this infrastructure helps protect other therapies that may travel with an order.

Benefits

Key therapeutic benefits include meaningful triglyceride reduction, increases in HDL‑C, and improvements in non‑HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. In severe hypertriglyceridemia, lowering triglycerides may reduce the risk of pancreatitis. Fenofibrate can complement statin therapy when additional triglyceride lowering is needed, as directed by a prescriber.

For background on statins and how they work, see the article Lipitor Uses.

Side Effects and Safety

• Digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, or dyspepsia
• Headache, back pain, or fatigue
• Elevated liver enzymes on blood tests
• Skin reactions including rash or photosensitivity
• Increases in serum creatinine, usually reversible

Serious but less common risks include myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, particularly in predisposed patients or when combined with certain medicines; gallstones and cholecystitis; pancreatitis; and severe liver injury. Reported hematologic effects include decreases in hemoglobin or white blood cells. People with diabetes using insulin or sulfonylureas may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia when these agents are combined with fenofibrate; prescribers typically monitor and adjust therapy as needed.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

• Anticoagulants such as warfarin: fenofibrate may potentiate anticoagulant effects; closer INR monitoring is often required
• Statins: combination increases myopathy risk; selection and monitoring are important
• Cyclosporine or tacrolimus: potential for renal effects; monitoring of kidney function is customary
• Bile acid sequestrants: reduce fenofibrate absorption; separate administration times
• Colchicine: additive myopathy risk has been reported
• Sulfonylureas and other diabetes agents: potential for enhanced hypoglycemic effect

Alcohol excess, hypothyroidism, uncontrolled diabetes, and severe renal or hepatic disease increase risk for adverse effects and warrant careful evaluation. For broader context on lipid disorders in diabetes, see Bad Cholesterol.

What to Expect Over Time

Changes in triglycerides and cholesterol fractions are assessed through periodic lipid panels. Many patients see early biochemical improvements, though cardiovascular risk reduction depends on comprehensive management that includes lifestyle measures and treatment of other risk factors. If lipid goals are not met, prescribers may adjust the dose, address adherence and diet, or consider combination therapy.

Compare With Alternatives

Alternatives depend on the lipid pattern and goals. Ezetimibe lowers LDL‑C by reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption and is often paired with a statin. High‑intensity statins such as Rosuvastatin provide potent LDL‑C lowering and cardiovascular risk reduction when tolerated. Some patients remain on a statin and add ezetimibe or a fibrate for persistent triglyceride elevation; others may use agents like Lipitor depending on prescriber guidance and clinical history.

Pricing and Access

Cross-border pharmacy access can make treatment more affordable by leveraging Canadian pricing while preserving prescription oversight. To view current options for fenofibrate, add the item to the cart and proceed to secure checkout. If coupon savings are available, they are listed on our promotions page. Transparent selection helps cash‑pay customers compare choices without insurance.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and strength. If a specific presentation is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative such as a different fenofibrate formulation, fenofibric acid, or a complementary therapy when clinically appropriate.

Patient Suitability and Cost‑Saving Tips

Good candidates typically include adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia or mixed dyslipidemia who do not have active liver or gallbladder disease and have acceptable renal function. Those with high triglycerides driven by secondary causes such as poorly controlled diabetes, hypothyroidism, alcohol excess, or certain medicines may benefit once those factors are addressed.

• Ask about a multi‑month supply to reduce pharmacy fees and co‑pays
• Align refills with other chronic medicines to streamline shipping
• Use generic fenofibrate when appropriate for the greatest savings
• Enroll in refill reminders to prevent gaps in therapy

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Which fenofibrate formulation best matches this prescription and meal schedule?
• How will lipids, kidney function, and liver enzymes be monitored?
• Is combination therapy with a statin appropriate given the myopathy risk profile?
• What triglyceride goal reduces pancreatitis risk in this case?
• How should dosing be timed if a bile acid sequestrant is also prescribed?
• Which lifestyle changes most effectively lower triglycerides in addition to fenofibrate?

Authoritative Sources

• DailyMed drug label
• MedlinePlus fenofibrate
• FDA drug information

Ready to request fenofibrate with US delivery from Canada? Start an order online for prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping handled by licensed Canadian pharmacies.

Disclaimer: This information is educational and not a substitute for guidance from a licensed clinician. Always follow the prescription label and local medical advice.