Lipidil Nt (Fenofibrate)

Fenofibrate acts on lipid metabolism disorders, helping to normalize abnormal blood lipid levels.

• Hypertriglyceridaemia: reduces triglyceride concentrations and lowers risk of pancreatitis.
• Mixed dyslipidaemia: lowers triglycerides and LDL‑cholesterol while modestly increasing HDL‑cholesterol.
• Primary hypercholesterolaemia (adjunct): used alongside statins to further improve lipid profile.

• Fenofibrate activates peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor‑α (PPARα), a nuclear transcription factor that regulates genes involved in fatty acid oxidation and lipoprotein metabolism. Activation enhances lipolysis, increases clearance of triglyceride‑rich lipoproteins, and promotes synthesis of apolipoprotein A‑I, resulting in lowered plasma triglycerides and modest improvements in LDL‑ and HDL‑cholesterol.

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

Common Side Effects

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

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Rhabdomyolysis: severe muscle breakdown with potential renal impairment.
• Hepatotoxicity: significant liver injury or jaundice.
• Severe allergic reactions: anaphylaxis or angioedema.
• Gallstones: formation of biliary calculi.
• Blood dyscrasias: thrombocytopenia or leukopenia.

Before prescribing Fenofibrate, consider the following precautions to ensure safe use.

• Liver function: assess hepatic enzymes before initiation and periodically during therapy.
• Renal function: evaluate kidney function; adjust use in severe impairment.
• Muscle disorders: avoid in patients with active muscle disease or recent statin‑associated myopathy.
• Pregnancy and lactation: use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk; data are limited.
• Drug interactions: review concomitant medications that may increase risk of myopathy or affect metabolism.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original packaging, protect from moisture and light.

Fenofibrate can interact with several medicines, influencing its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Statins (especially high‑dose simvastatin): increased risk of rhabdomyolysis.
• Cyclosporine: elevated fenofibrate plasma concentrations.
• Anticoagulants (warfarin): potentiation of anticoagulant effect, requiring INR monitoring.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Gemfibrozil: additive risk of muscle toxicity.
• Bile acid sequestrants: may reduce fenofibrate absorption.
• Oral contraceptives: possible increase in triglyceride levels.
• Thyroid hormones: may alter lipid‑lowering response.
• Antidiabetic agents: monitor glucose control as fenofibrate may affect glycemia.