What Is Tricor Medication Used For?

Tricor is a prescription medication used to treat people who have high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in their blood, which can then decrease a patient's risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Most doctors will prescribe Tricor along with a change in diet and exercise to help get cholesterol and triglyceride levels in a healthy range. Tricor is a brand-name drug made by Abbott. It is also available as a generic drug called fenofibrate.

How It Works

• Tricor is classified as a lipid-lowering agent, also called a fibrate. It works by increasing enzymes in the blood that can break down fats. When patients take Tricor, their triglyceride and LDL, or bad, cholesterol levels go down and their HDL, or good, cholesterol levels go up.

How To Take It

• Tricor is taken orally in pill form with or without food. Tricor pills should always be swallowed whole and not chewed or broken.

Side Effects

• Known side effects of Tricor include nausea and headaches. Neither of these is cause for concern. However, some rare side effects of Tricor may indicate a complication that requires treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: coughing; urine; chills or sore throat; chest pain; fever; muscle pain, tenderness or weakness; severe dizziness or lightheadedness; pale stools; severe or persistent nausea; red, blistered or peeling skin; severe pain or swelling in the feet, ankles or legs; jaundice; unusual bleeding or bruising; stomach pain; and vomiting.

Warnings

• People with medical conditions such as liver disease, gallbladder disease, kidney disease, diabetes and hypothyroidism may not be able to take Tricor, so be sure to discuss your complete medical history with your doctor.

Drug Interactions

• Several drugs are known to interact with Tricor or increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects. People taking Tricor with HMG-CoS reductase inhibitors have an increased risk of developing muscle problems that can lead to kidney failure. Taking Tricor with anticoagulants or sulfonylureas increases the risk of experiencing side effects.