Fenofibrate is primarily used to treat high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels in adults, including conditions such as primary hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia (both high LDL and high triglycerides), and severe hypertriglyceridemia[1][6][7].
It works as an adjunct to diet when lifestyle changes like a low-fat diet and exercise are insufficient to control blood lipid levels[4][6]. Fenofibrate helps:
- Reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, or “bad” cholesterol)
- Reduce triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood)
- Reduce total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B
- Increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, or “good” cholesterol)
Lowering high triglyceride levels may also help reduce the risk of pancreatitis, although this specific effect is not fully established[3][6]. Fenofibrate is sometimes prescribed to slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes and pre-existing retinopathy[2].
In addition, fenofibrate may be used off-label to aid in the management of elevated blood uric acid levels in gout[1]. However, its effectiveness in reducing the risk of heart attacks or strokes has not been definitively proven, and its use in pediatric populations is not established[1][4].
References
- [1] Fenofibrate – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- [2] Fenofibrate – Wikipedia
- [3] Fenofibrate: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures – WebMD
- [4] Fenofibrate: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- [6] TRICOR (fenofibrate) Tablet, for oral use – accessdata.fda.gov
- [7] Fenofibrate: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More – Healthline