Lipanthyl (Fenofibrate Micronised)

Lipanthyl is a fibrate that acts on lipid metabolism to improve abnormal blood lipid profiles.

• Hypertriglyceridaemia: reduces markedly elevated triglyceride concentrations.
• Mixed dyslipidaemia: lowers triglycerides while modestly improving LDL‑cholesterol and raising HDL‑cholesterol.
• Primary hypercholesterolaemia (adjunct therapy): provides additional lipid‑lowering effect when statins alone are insufficient.

• Fenofibrate activates peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor‑α (PPARα), a nuclear transcription factor that up‑regulates genes involved in fatty‑acid oxidation. This enhances lipolysis and clearance of triglyceride‑rich lipoproteins, decreases hepatic synthesis of very‑low‑density lipoprotein (VLDL), and modestly raises high‑density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, collectively improving the plasma lipid profile.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort such as abdominal pain or dyspepsia.
• Elevated liver enzymes indicating hepatic stress.
• Muscle pain or weakness, especially when combined with statins.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Mild increase in serum creatinine.
• Skin rash or pruritus.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Rhabdomyolysis with severe muscle breakdown.
• Acute liver failure or severe hepatitis.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema.
• Gallstone formation.
• Pancreatitis.
• Hematologic abnormalities such as leukopenia.

Before initiating therapy, consider the following precautions:

• Liver function: assess hepatic enzymes and avoid use in active liver disease.
• Renal function: evaluate creatinine clearance; dose adjustment may be required in renal impairment.
• Muscle toxicity: monitor for signs of myopathy, especially when used with statins.
• Pregnancy: contraindicated; avoid use in pregnant women.
• Breastfeeding: not recommended as drug may be excreted in milk.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original packaging, and protect from moisture.

Fenofibrate may interact with several medications; review patient medication lists carefully.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Statins (especially high‑dose simvastatin): increased risk of rhabdomyolysis.
• Anticoagulants (warfarin): potentiation of anticoagulant effect.
• Bile‑acid sequestrants (cholestyramine): reduced fenofibrate absorption.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antidiabetic agents (e.g., insulin, sulfonylureas): may enhance hypoglycaemic effect.
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine): possible increase in serum fenofibrate levels.
• Thyroid hormones: may alter lipid‑lowering response.