What is Tricor?
Tricor, active ingredient fenofibrate, is a drug that is prescribed for the treatment of elevated levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in your blood. Reducing the levels of these fat-like substances might be helpful in the prevention if health problems that include chest pain (referred to as angina), heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Tricor should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program.
Who is the maker of Tricor?
Abbott Laboratories is the maker of Tricor.
How it works
Tricor belongs to the family of medications called fibric acid derivatives or fibrates. It encourages the body to produce more of the enzyme called lipoprotein lipase. This enzyme works to break down the particles that are rich in triglycerides and remove them from your body more easily. This medication also works to decrease the amount of this type of particles the liver makes and releases. Depending on your individual type of cholesterol problem, Tricor also has the potential to:
- Reduce total levels of cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol
- Increase your levels of HDL (good) cholesterol
- Reduce the amount of fibrinogen, which is an additional stroke and heart disease risk factor
- Increase the amount of uric acid that is excreted
Possible side effects
As with all prescription medications, there is the possibility of side effects. However, not everyone taking this medication will have problems as it is usually tolerated well. If you do experience side effects, they are usually minor and most of the time requires no treatment. If you experience side effects, you will most likely not have to stop taking your medication.
Most often the reported side effects might include: trouble breathing or chest congestion, mild diarrhea or constipation, headaches, abdominal pain and an increase in the enzymes of the liver.