Indicated for: dyslipidemia
Route of administration: oral
Substance: fenofibrate (fibrate lipid-lowering agent)
ATC: C10AB05 (Cardiovascular system | Lipid modifying agents, plain | Fibrates)
Fenofibrate is an oral medication of the fibrate class used to treat abnormal blood lipid levels.
It is less commonly used compared than statins because it treats a different type of cholesterol abnormality to statins. While statins have strong evidence for reducing heart disease and death, there is evidence to suggest that fenofibrate also reduces the risk of heart disease and death. However, this seems only to apply to specific populations of people with elevated triglyceride levels and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Its use is recommended together with dietary changes.
Common side effects include liver problems, breathing problems, abdominal pain, muscle problems, and nausea.
Serious side effects may include toxic epidermal necrolysis, rhabdomyolysis, gallstones, and pancreatitis.
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.
It was patented in 1969, and came into medical use in 1975. It is available as a generic medication.