What is LOFIBRA® used for?

Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, LOFIBRA® is used to treat adults with high triglycerides when diet and exercise alone are not enough to lower triglycerides and raise high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).

LOFIBRA®, in addition to diet and exercise, is also used to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, and triglycerides in adults with high cholesterol or mixed lipid disorder.

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What can cause an increase in triglyceride levels?

Triglycerides are a type of blood lipid that has been linked to heart disease. The following factors increase your chances of developing high triglycerides2:

  • Obesity and excess weight
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Too much alcohol
  • A diet high in fats and sugars
  • Certain diseases, such as diabetes or kidney problems
  • Certain drugs, including steroids and estrogen
  • A family history of elevated triglycerides, cholesterol, or heart disease
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How does LOFIBRA® work?

LOFIBRA® increases the breakup of fats and clearance of triglycerides from the body. It changes the "bad LDL-C" from smaller, dense sizes, to larger ones, making it easier for HDL-C to find and remove LDL-C from the body. This can lower the chance of a heart attack or stroke. LOFIBRA® also increases HDL-C levels, the "good cholesterol."

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When is the best time to take LOFIBRA®?

LOFIBRA® should be taken once a day with a meal to help improve its effectiveness. You can choose which mealtime is most convenient for you.

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What is the usual dose of LOFIBRA®?

In adults with high triglycerides, the starting dose of LOFIBRA® is usually…

  • LOFIBRA® tablets: 54 mg to 160 mg per day
  • LOFIBRA® capsules: 67 mg to 200 mg per day

In adults with high cholesterol or mixed lipid disorder, the starting dose of LOFIBRA® is usually…

  • LOFIBRA® tablets: 160 mg per day
  • LOFIBRA® capsules: 200 mg per day

In adults who are elderly or have kidney problems, the starting dose of LOFIBRA® should be…

  • LOFIBRA® tablets: 54 mg per day
  • LOFIBRA® capsules: 67 mg per day
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Is there any reason I should NOT take LOFIBRA®?

LOFIBRA® should only be taken by patients as prescribed by their doctor. LOFIBRA® should not be used in patients with gallbladder disease, liver disease, or severe kidney disease. Those who have had a bad reaction to LOFIBRA® or fenofibrate should not take this medication.

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What are the most common side effects with LOFIBRA®?

LOFIBRA® is usually well tolerated. The most common complaints include upset stomach, back pain, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

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Will I need to have regular checkups with my doctor?

Your doctor will check periodically throughout therapy to make sure your liver is working properly. If your liver test results change during treatment, your doctor may decide to stop your therapy or test more frequently.

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What other problems may occur while taking LOFIBRA®?

In rare cases, LOFIBRA® may cause unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or soreness. Let your doctor know right away if you have these symptoms, especially if you also are tired or have a fever.

Fenofibrates may lead to gallstones. If this happens, you should stop taking LOFIBRA®.

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Is LOFIBRA® safe to take with other drugs?

Caution should be used when blood thinners are taken together with LOFIBRA® because the combination can make it take longer for blood to clot, which may increase your risk of bleeding. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.

The use of LOFIBRA® with other cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins should be avoided unless your doctor is aware that you are on both and believes it is beneficial.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs called bile acid sequestrants may mix with other drugs taken at the same time and cause LOFIBRA® to be less effective. Therefore, LOFIBRA® should be taken at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after these drugs to avoid interference with the absorption of LOFIBRA®.

Because LOFIBRA® is removed from the body by the kidneys, the use of LOFIBRA® with drugs that can harm kidney tissues may lead to further problems.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about your medications. Be sure to mention any other medications you are taking so he/she can make sure they work well together.

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