medicationPrescription only (US)Fenofibrate is FDA-approved as an adjunct to diet for treating hypertriglyceridemia and mixed dyslipidemiaBoth cited trials studied fenofibrate in people with type 2 diabetes, a population where it is also used for retinopathy and cardiovascular risk reduction outside the core lipid indication
FenofibrateBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Also known as: Tricor
Fenofibrate (brand name examples include Tricor, Lipofen, Triglide) is a medication primarily used to manage dyslipidemia, specifically high levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and often low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. It is typically taken with a meal.
How much Fenofibrate do people take?
The FIELD trial used micronised fenofibrate 200 mg once daily; the retinopathy trial used 145 mg fenofibrate tablets daily, or on alternate days in participants with impaired renal function. Route reported: Oral tablet, once daily, in both cited trials. Frequency reported: Once daily dosing in both cited trials. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Fenofibrate — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
See the full reported protocol and its sourcesResearched by DoseRoutine Research TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSE, SO, PMPLast updated Educational reference only — not medical advice. Always confirm dosing and safety decisions with a licensed clinician.
Evidence: Strong — 2 human randomized trials and regulatory approval on file.
Evidence strengthStrong · 4/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
2 human randomized trials and regulatory approval on file.
Is fenofibrate the same type of lipid medicine as a statin?
No. Fenofibrate is a fibrate used for particular lipid abnormalities, including high triglycerides. Lipid-number improvements should not automatically be interpreted as identical cardiovascular-outcome benefits to a statin.
Source: MedlinePlus: Fenofibrate
Browse compound evidence cardsPlasma half-life
~20 h
Typical timing
with a meal
Food rule
with food
Default unit
mg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
Reported for Fenofibrate in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
References & evidence
Documents the Fenofibrate entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Effects of long-term fenofibrate therapy on cardiovascular events in 9795 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (the FIELD study): randomised controlled trialKeech A, Simes RJ, Barter P, Best J, Scott R, Taskinen MR, et al (FIELD study investigators) · Lancet · 2005 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 16310551
- [2]Effect of Fenofibrate on Progression of Diabetic RetinopathyPreiss D, Logue J, Sammons E, Zayed M, Emberson J, Wade R, Wallendszus K, Armitage J · NEJM Evidence · 2024 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 38905569
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document Fenofibrate dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]U.S. National Library of Medicine View source
- [2]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is Fenofibrate?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Fenofibrate (brand name examples include Tricor, Lipofen, Triglide) is a medication primarily used to manage dyslipidemia, specifically high levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and often low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. It belongs to a class of drugs known as fibrates. Fenofibrate is typically prescribed when diet, exercise, and weight loss alone are insufficient to achieve desired lipid targets for cardiovascular health. It can be used alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering agents, such as statins, although the combination requires careful monitoring due to potential increased risks. The primary goal of fenofibrate therapy is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events by improving the lipid profile. This medication must be prescribed and monitored by a licensed healthcare professional.
Fenofibrate is an oral medication taken once daily. Different formulations may have specific instructions regarding food intake, but generally, it is recommended to take it with a meal to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset. Regular blood tests are typically required to monitor lipid levels, liver function, and kidney function during treatment. The specific dose is user-directed and must be set by a licensed clinician.
What does the research say about Fenofibrate?
Tap a section to expand.
Fenofibrate exerts its therapeutic effects primarily by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a nuclear receptor that plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism. Activation of PPARα by fenofibrate leads to several significant changes in the body's lipid processing:
1. **Increased lipolysis and elimination of triglyceride-rich particles:** Fenofibrate enhances the activity of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), an enzyme that breaks down triglycerides in very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and chylomicrons. This leads to a reduction in circulating triglyceride levels.
2. **Reduced hepatic production of VLDL:** Fenofibrate decreases the synthesis and secretion of VLDL by the liver. Since VLDL particles are the precursors to LDL cholesterol, reducing VLDL production indirectly contributes to lower LDL levels.
3. **Increased synthesis of apolipoproteins A-I and A-II:** These apolipoproteins are major components of HDL cholesterol. By increasing their synthesis, fenofibrate promotes the formation and increases the levels of HDL cholesterol, which is beneficial for 'reverse cholesterol transport' (the process by which cholesterol is removed from arterial walls and returned to the liver).
4. **Modified LDL particle composition:** While fenofibrate's effect on total LDL-C is variable, it tends to shift the LDL particle distribution from small, dense LDL particles (which are considered more atherogenic) to larger, more buoyant LDL particles, which are less harmful.
5. **Reduced levels of fibrinogen:** Some studies also indicate that fenofibrate might have additional pleiotropic effects, including a reduction in fibrinogen, a protein involved in blood clotting, which might contribute to its cardiovascular protective effects.
In essence, fenofibrate works by reprogramming the liver and fat cells to more efficiently process fats, leading to lower triglyceride and often lower LDL cholesterol levels, and higher HDL cholesterol levels. (Source: PubChem, DrugBank)
Source for this section: Sources for How does Fenofibrate work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
The primary benefits of fenofibrate therapy revolve around its ability to improve lipid profiles, which is crucial for reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Specific benefits include:
* **Significant reduction in high triglyceride levels:** Fenofibrate is particularly effective in lowering very high triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridemia), which can be a risk factor for pancreatitis and cardiovascular disease.
* **Increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol:** It helps raise levels of "good" HDL cholesterol, which plays a protective role against atherosclerosis by facilitating cholesterol removal from arteries.
* **Moderately reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol:** While primarily known for its effects on triglycerides and HDL, fenofibrate can also contribute to lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol, especially in individuals with combined dyslipidemia.
* **Reduction in small, dense LDL particles:** Fenofibrate is effective in shifting the LDL particle size distribution from smaller, more atherogenic particles to larger, less harmful ones, which is a beneficial change for cardiovascular health.
* **Potential for reducing cardiovascular events:** By improving the lipid profile, fenofibrate may contribute to a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, especially in patients with mixed dyslipidemia or high triglycerides. However, its effectiveness in primary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with isolated high triglycerides is still an area of ongoing research and discussion, as indicated by some clinical trials. (Source: Cochrane, NIH ODS)
Clinical evidence for fenofibrate's efficacy primarily comes from numerous trials and meta-analyses. The FIELD (Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes) study, a large randomized controlled trial, investigated the effect of fenofibrate on cardiovascular events in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. While the primary outcome (non-fatal myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death) did not reach statistical significance for reduction, the study showed significant reductions in total cardiovascular events and microvascular complications like retinopathy and albuminuria. Another significant trial is the ACCORD Lipid (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Lipid) trial, which examined the effects of adding fenofibrate to simvastatin in patients with Type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk. This trial also did not show a significant reduction in the primary outcome of major cardiovascular events. However, a post-hoc analysis suggested a benefit in a subgroup of patients with elevated triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol. These trials highlight that while fenofibrate effectively modifies lipid parameters, its impact on hard cardiovascular outcomes can vary depending on the patient population and baseline lipid profiles. Its primary role remains in managing severe hypertriglyceridemia and improving lipid parameters in combination with other interventions. (Source: NIH ODS, MedlinePlus, Cochrane)
Like all medications, fenofibrate can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects may include:
* Gastrointestinal upset (e.g., nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea)
* Headache
* Muscle pain or weakness (myalgia, myopathy), which can rarely progress to rhabdomyolysis (a serious condition involving muscle breakdown).
* Elevations in liver enzymes (transaminases), detected through blood tests.
* Increased blood levels of creatinine (indicating kidney function changes).
Less common but more serious side effects can include:
* Gallstones (cholelithiasis), as fibrates can increase cholesterol excretion into the bile.
* Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
* Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face/lips/tongue).
* Blood disorders, such as a decrease in white blood cells (leukopenia) or platelets (thrombocytopenia).
* Pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), although this is rare.
Regular monitoring of liver function, kidney function, and lipid levels is typically conducted by a healthcare provider while taking fenofibrate to detect and manage potential side effects. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to a clinician promptly. This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Source for this section: Sources for What are the side effects of Fenofibrate?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Before starting fenofibrate, patients should be aware of several important warnings:
* **Liver function monitoring:** Fenofibrate can cause reversible increases in liver transaminases. Liver function tests (LFTs) should be performed periodically, especially during the first few months of treatment. If LFTs remain persistently elevated, discontinuation of the drug may be necessary.
* **Kidney function:** Fenofibrate is primarily excreted by the kidneys. It can cause a reversible increase in serum creatinine and should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Dosage adjustment may be required for individuals with moderate renal dysfunction, and it is contraindicated in severe renal impairment.
* **Muscle toxicity (Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis):** Fenofibrate, particularly when co-administered with statins, can increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Patients should be advised to report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or malaise. Creatine kinase (CK) levels should be monitored in such cases.
* **Gallstones:** Fibrates, including fenofibrate, may increase the risk of cholelithiasis (gallstone formation) as they increase cholesterol excretion into the bile. If gallstones are suspected, gallbladder studies are indicated, and fenofibrate therapy may need to be discontinued.
* **Pancreatitis:** Severe hypertriglyceridemia is a known risk factor for pancreatitis. While fenofibrate lowers triglycerides, cases of pancreatitis have been reported with its use, particularly in patients with severe renal impairment or those whose triglycerides do not adequately respond.
* **Hypothyroidism:** Hypothyroidism may lead to secondary hyperlipidemia, and therefore should be corrected before initiating fenofibrate therapy. Fenofibrate should be used with caution in patients with uncontrolled hypothyroidism.
* **Venous Thromboembolism:** An increased incidence of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis has been observed in some clinical trials with fenofibrate, particularly at higher doses. Patients should be monitored for symptoms of these conditions.
Patients should discuss their full medical history and all current medications with their healthcare provider before starting fenofibrate. This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Source for this section: Sources for Who should avoid Fenofibrate?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Fenofibrate is contraindicated in several conditions due to the risk of serious adverse effects. These include:
* **Severe renal impairment:** Patients with severe kidney disease (e.g., estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <30 mL/min/1.73 m²) should not use fenofibrate due to impaired drug clearance and increased risk of toxicity.
* **Active liver disease:** This includes primary biliary cirrhosis or unexplained persistent abnormal liver function tests, as fenofibrate can worsen liver conditions.
* **Pre-existing gallbladder disease:** Fenofibrate increases the risk of gallstone formation, so it is contraindicated in individuals with a history of gallbladder issues.
* **Hypersensitivity:** Individuals with a known allergy to fenofibrate or any of its excipients, or those with a history of photoallergic or phototoxic reactions to fibrates or ketoprofen, should avoid this medication.
* **Nursing mothers:** It is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers, as it is uncertain whether fenofibrate is excreted in human milk, and potential adverse effects on the infant are unknown.
A thorough review of a patient's medical history by a licensed clinician is essential to determine if fenofibrate is an appropriate and safe treatment option. This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Source for this section: Sources for When should Fenofibrate not be taken?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Concomitant use of fenofibrate with certain other medications can increase the risk of adverse effects. Therefore, careful consideration and monitoring are required:
* **Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors):** Combination therapy with statins (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin) can significantly increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle damage). While this combination may be used in some cases under close medical supervision for mixed dyslipidemia, it requires careful monitoring for muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, and regular assessment of creatine kinase (CK) levels. The lowest effective doses of both agents should be used.
* **Oral anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin):** Fenofibrate can potentiate the effects of coumarin-type anticoagulants, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. If co-administered, the dose of the anticoagulant may need to be reduced, and the International Normalized Ratio (INR) should be monitored frequently until stable levels are achieved.
* **Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine):** Concomitant use with immunosuppressants can cause severe renal dysfunction. If this combination is necessary, careful monitoring of renal function is advised, and fenofibrate should be discontinued if a persistent, clinically significant increase in serum creatinine is observed.
* **Bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol):** These agents can interfere with the absorption of fenofibrate. It is generally recommended to take fenofibrate at least one hour before or four to six hours after taking a bile acid sequestrant to ensure proper absorption.
* **Other fibrates:** Co-administration of fenofibrate with other fibrates is generally not recommended due to increased risk of side effects, including muscle toxicity and gallstones, without demonstrably enhanced lipid benefits.
Patients should always inform their healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements they are taking to avoid potentially harmful interactions. This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Source for this section: Sources for What should you not mix with Fenofibrate?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Fenofibrate is an oral medication that is typically taken once daily. The specific instructions for timing often depend on the formulation:
* **With food:** Most formulations of fenofibrate, particularly older ones, are recommended to be taken with a meal. Taking fenofibrate with food, especially a substantial meal, enhances its absorption and bioavailability, leading to more consistent drug levels and therapeutic effects. It can also help reduce gastrointestinal upset.
* **Some formulations are flexible:** Newer micronized or nanocrystallized formulations of fenofibrate are designed for improved absorption and may be taken with or without food. However, patients should always follow the specific instructions provided by their prescribing clinician and the medication's packaging insert.
Consistency in timing (e.g., taking it at the same time each day with a meal) is generally advised to maintain stable drug concentrations in the body. The specific dose is user-directed and must be set by a licensed clinician.
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Fenofibrate?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Put it into practice
Reading about Fenofibrate is the first step — DoseRoutine helps you act on it. These free tools turn what you just learned into a routine.
What interacts with Fenofibrate?
Frequently asked questions about Fenofibrate
Fenofibrate is primarily used to treat high levels of triglycerides and sometimes high LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and low HDL ("good") cholesterol. It helps improve overall lipid profiles to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
While some lipid changes might be detectable within weeks, the full therapeutic effects of fenofibrate on lipid levels are usually observed after several weeks of consistent use, typically 4-8 weeks. Regular blood tests are needed to monitor progress.
Fenofibrate can be combined with statins, but this combination carries an increased risk of muscle-related side effects, including myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. This combination should only be used under strict medical supervision, with careful monitoring of muscle symptoms and blood tests.
Yes, fenofibrate works best when combined with lifestyle modifications. Your doctor will likely recommend a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and refined sugars, along with regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. These lifestyle changes are crucial for managing dyslipidemia.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you frequently miss doses, discuss this with your healthcare provider.
As a medication, Fenofibrate can overlap with other supplements, prescription medicines, hormones and peptides. Because Fenofibrate is usually taken with a meal, most avoidable conflicts come from what else lands in that same window. With a reported plasma half-life near 20 hours, separating doses can change the picture as much as removing one. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Fenofibrate with no sign-up.
Whether Fenofibrate fits alongside testosterone replacement therapy depends on the protocol — dose, ester and ancillaries such as HCG or anastrozole — and on current bloodwork. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
"Peptides" is not one category — healing peptides, GLP-1 agonists, growth-hormone secretagogues and melanocortins each behave differently next to Fenofibrate. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
With a plasma half-life near 20 hours, once-daily dosing is the usual pattern for Fenofibrate. It is typically taken with a meal. Most protocols have it taken with food. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
For Fenofibrate the useful record is the dose, the time it was actually taken, and what else was taken in the same window. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
No. Fenofibrate is a fibrate used for particular lipid abnormalities, including high triglycerides. Lipid-number improvements should not automatically be interpreted as identical cardiovascular-outcome benefits to a statin.
Combining lipid medicines requires review of muscle symptoms, kidney function, and the exact products. Unexplained muscle pain or weakness should be reported rather than assumed to be ordinary exercise soreness.
The FIELD trial used micronised fenofibrate 200 mg once daily; the retinopathy trial used 145 mg fenofibrate tablets daily, or on alternate days in participants with impaired renal function. Route reported: Oral tablet, once daily, in both cited trials. Frequency reported: Once daily dosing in both cited trials. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Fenofibrate — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
Which studies looked at Fenofibrate?
Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.
- 1.Effect of Fenofibrate on Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy(opens PubMed in a new tab)NEJM Evid · 2024 · PMID 38905569 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38905569/
- 2.Update on fenofibrate(opens PubMed in a new tab)Cardiovasc Drug Rev · 2002 · PMID 12481201 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12481201/
- 3.Effects of long-term fenofibrate therapy on cardiovascular events in 9795 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (the FIELD study): randomised controlled trial(opens PubMed in a new tab)Lancet · 2005 · PMID 16310551 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16310551/
- 4.Fenofibrate and Diabetic Retinopathy(opens PubMed in a new tab)Curr Diab Rep · 2016 · PMID 27525681 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27525681/
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- MedlinePlus(opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601052.html
- PubChem CID 3339(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/3339
Verify at
Publisher search links for Fenofibrate. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Institutes of Health · publisher search
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- Cochrane Library(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Cochrane · publisher search
- Mayo Clinic(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Mayo Clinic · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- DailyMed labeling archive(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Fenofibrate?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Fenofibrate (brand name examples include Tricor, Lipofen, Triglide) is a medication primarily used to manage dyslipidemia, specifically high levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and often low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. It is typically taken with a meal.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/fenofibrate
Fenofibrate cheat sheet
DoseRoutine cheat sheet · Medication
Fenofibrate
Fenofibrate (brand name examples include Tricor, Lipofen, Triglide) is a medication primarily used to manage dyslipidemia, specifically high levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and often low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Evidence
Strong
2 human randomized trials and regulatory approval on file.
Studied range
The FIELD trial used micronised fenofibrate 200 mg once daily; the retinopathy trial used 145 mg fenofibrate tablets daily, or on alternate days in participants with impaired renal function
Route
Oral tablet, once daily, in both cited trials
Frequency studied
Once daily dosing in both cited trials
Half-life
~20 h
Timing
with a meal
With food
with food
Prescription only (US)Fenofibrate is FDA-approved as an adjunct to diet for treating hypertriglyceridemia and mixed dyslipidemiaBoth cited trials studied fenofibrate in people with type 2 diabetes, a population where it is also used for retinopathy and cardiovascular risk reduction outside the core lipid indication
Studied ranges, not dosing advice. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician. doseroutine.com/library/fenofibrate
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Fenofibrate — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/fenofibrate
What compounds are similar to Fenofibrate?
Others in the medication category or studied for the same goals.