Fenogal (fenofibrate)

How does it work?

Fenogal capsules contain the active ingredient fenofibrate, which is a type of medicine called a fibrate. (NB. Fenofibrate is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Fenofibrate is used to lower the levels of fats (lipids) called cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

For the sake of simplicity, there are two sorts of cholesterol; a 'bad' sort called low density lipoprotein (LDL) and a 'good' sort called high density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is deposited in the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease by clogging and narrowing the arteries (atherosclerosis), while HDL actually protects the arteries against this.

Triglycerides are another type of 'bad fat' that increase the risk of hardened arteries.

Fenofibrate works mainly by stimulating the action of an enzyme that breaks down triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. This is called lipoprotein lipase and is found in muscle and fat tissue. Stimulating this enzyme increases the breakdown of triglycerides and LDL in the blood.

Fenofibrate also increases levels of HDL cholesterol. The overall effect is lowered levels of "bad fats" and raised levels of "good fats" in the blood.

Fibrates have an important role in the prevention of coronary heart disease. They reduce the risk of excess cholesterol and triglycerides being deposited in the major blood vessels of the heart (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis limits the amount of blood and therefore oxygen being carried to the heart muscle. This can cause chest pain (angina) and in severe cases can result in a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

This medicine is used when blood lipid levels cannot be lowered by diet and exercise alone. It is important to continue to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise regime while taking fenofibrate. Discuss this with your doctor.

What is it used for?

High levels of fats (lipids) such as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood .

Warning!

You should should continue to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet during treatment with this medicine. Discuss this with your doctor.

This medicine may very rarely have side effects on the muscles. For this reason you should inform your doctor immediately if you experience any muscular symptoms such as pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness while taking this medicine, particularly if it is accompanied by a fever or feeling generally unwell. Your doctor may need to check for side effects on the muscles by taking a blood test to measure the level of a compound called creatinine kinase in your blood. If this is the case, the test should not be done following strenuous exercise.

You should have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function (liver function tests) while taking this medicine. These should be every three months for the first 12 months of treatment. Symptoms that may suggest a problem with your liver include unexplained itching, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), unusually dark urine or pale stools, nausea and vomiting and abdominal pains. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms while taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

Elderly people.

Underactive thyroid gland .

History of muscle disease.

Low levels of the protein albumin in the blood (hypoalbuminaemia).

People who drink large amounts of alcohol.

Not to be used in

Children.

Decreased kidney function.

Severely decreased liver function.

Gall bladder disease.

Liver damage occurring due to disorder of the bile ducts (biliary cirrhosis).

Long-term (chronic) or sudden (acute) inflammation of the pancreas, except when this is a result of very high triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridaemia).

Pregnancy.

Breastfeeding.

People who have ever had a skin reaction to UV light while taking other fibrate medicines or ketoprofen.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be used by pregnant women. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used by women who are breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

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