Fenofibrate

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Also indexed as:

Tricor

Fenofibrate is used to lower elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels when diet, exercise, and weight loss programs are ineffective. It is in a family of medications known as cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Fenofibrate

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	Folic acid Vitamin B12 Vitamin B6 Vitamin C Vitamin E
Supportive interaction	Food
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Several studies have shown that fenofibrate enhances the toxic effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which might result in side effects such as skin rashes. One controlled study showed that taking 2 grams of vitamin C and 1,000 IU of vitamin E prior to ultraviolet exposure dramatically blocked UV-fenofibrate damage to red blood cells.¹ though further controlled studies are needed, people taking fenofibrate should probably supplement with vitamins C and E until more information is available.

Folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12

Increased blood levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. One study revealed that fenofibrate dramatically increases blood homocysteine levels, though blood levels of vitamins were not reduced.² In one study, supplementation with 10 mg per day of folic acid prevented the increase in homocysteine levels resulting from fenofibrate therapy.³ Further research is needed to determine whether supplemental vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, which are also capable of lowering homocysteine levels, might lower fenofibrate-induced elevations in homocysteine levels.

Other Interactions

Food

Taking fenofibrate together with food dramatically increases the absorption of the drug.⁴ Therefore fenofibrate should be taken with a meal.

References

1. Eberlein-Konig B, Placzek M, Przybilla B. Phototoxic lysis of erythrocytes from humans is reduced after oral intake of ascorbic acid and d-alpha-tocopherol. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 1997;13:173-7.
2. Dierkes J, Westphal S, Luley C. Serum homocysteine increases after therapy with fenofibrate or bezafibrate. Lancet 1999;354:219-20.
3. Mayer O Jr, Simon J, Holubec L, et al. Fenofibrate-induced hyperhomocysteinemia may be prevented by folate co-administration. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2003;59:367-71.
4. Sifton DW, et. Physicians' Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 476-8.

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Last Review: 09-01-2007

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2008.

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