Lipanthyl M (Fenofibrate Micronised)

Lipanthyl M (fenofibrate) is used to modify lipid metabolism in several dyslipidaemic conditions.

• Hypertriglyceridaemia: reduces plasma triglyceride concentrations, lowers very‑low‑density lipoprotein levels and diminishes the risk of pancreatitis associated with severe hypertriglyceridaemia.
• Mixed dyslipidaemia: decreases triglycerides, modestly raises high‑density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lowers low‑density lipoprotein cholesterol, contributing to an improved overall lipid profile.
• Primary hypercholesterolaemia (adjunct therapy): enhances the lipid‑lowering effect of statins by further reducing triglycerides, modestly increasing HDL‑cholesterol and supporting better control of cholesterol when used alongside standard therapy.

• Fenofibrate activates peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a nuclear transcription factor that regulates genes involved in fatty‑acid oxidation. Activation increases β‑oxidation of fatty acids in liver and muscle, reduces hepatic synthesis of triglycerides, and up‑regulates lipoprotein lipase activity, leading to enhanced clearance of triglyceride‑rich lipoproteins from the circulation. It also lowers apolipoprotein C‑III expression, further facilitating triglyceride catabolism in the plasma.

Fenofibrate may be associated with a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea or abdominal discomfort
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Elevated liver enzymes

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Rhabdomyolysis, especially when combined with statins
• Severe liver injury or hepatitis
• Acute pancreatitis
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or other severe skin reactions

Before initiating therapy with Lipanthyl M, clinicians should consider several precautionary measures to ensure safe use.

• Renal function: assess baseline renal function and monitor periodically during treatment.
• Liver disease: avoid in patients with active liver disease; monitor liver enzymes regularly.
• Drug interactions: review concomitant medications, particularly statins and anticoagulants, for potential additive toxicity.
• Pregnancy and lactation: use only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus or infant.
• Cardiovascular disease: monitor for signs of myopathy when used together with statins.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in the original packaging, and protect from moisture.

Fenofibrate can interact with other medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Statins (especially high‑dose): increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): enhanced anticoagulant effect, requiring closer INR monitoring.
• Cyclosporine: may raise fenofibrate plasma concentrations, increasing toxicity risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Gemfibrozil: additive risk of muscle toxicity.
• Thiazide diuretics: may cause a rise in serum creatinine.
• Bile acid sequestrants: can reduce absorption of fenofibrate, potentially lowering its efficacy.