Lipanthyl Micronised (Fenofibrate Micronised)

Lipanthyl Micronised (fenofibrate) is used to modify lipid metabolism in patients with elevated triglyceride levels.

• Hypertriglyceridemia: reduces plasma triglyceride concentrations.
• Mixed dyslipidemia: lowers triglycerides and modestly raises HDL‑cholesterol.
• Primary hypercholesterolemia (as adjunct therapy): improves overall lipid profile when used with other lipid‑lowering agents.

• Fenofibrate activates peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a nuclear transcription factor that up‑regulates genes involved in fatty‑acid β‑oxidation and down‑regulates enzymes responsible for triglyceride synthesis, resulting in decreased plasma triglycerides and a modest increase in HDL‑cholesterol levels.

Fenofibrate may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Elevated liver enzymes: transient increases in ALT/AST.
• Muscle pain: mild myalgia without weakness.
• Skin reactions: rash or pruritus.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Rhabdomyolysis: severe muscle breakdown with risk of renal failure.
• Severe liver injury: hepatitis or hepatic failure.
• Acute pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas.
• Myopathy: muscle weakness with elevated CK.
• Anaphylactic reactions: severe allergic response.
• Blood dyscrasias: neutropenia or thrombocytopenia.

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Liver function monitoring: assess baseline enzymes and repeat periodically.
• Renal function assessment: adjust use in patients with impaired clearance.
• Gallstone risk: evaluate history of biliary disease.
• Hypothyroidism caution: monitor thyroid status as risk of myopathy may increase.
• Severe renal impairment: avoid or use only under specialist supervision.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Fenofibrate can interact with several medicines, requiring attention to avoid adverse outcomes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Gemfibrozil: markedly increases risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
• Cyclosporine: may elevate fenofibrate plasma levels, enhancing toxicity.
• High‑dose statins (e.g., rosuvastatin): increase risk of severe muscle injury.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Warfarin: fenofibrate may potentiate anticoagulant effect, requiring INR monitoring.
• Oral hypoglycemics: may enhance glucose‑lowering effect, risk of hypoglycemia.
• ACE inhibitors: potential for increased serum creatinine; monitor renal function.