Doctor Discussion Guide
Create a list of questions to help you start the cholesterol and triglycerides conversation with your doctor.
Cholesterol Health Journal
Use the Cholesterol Health Journal to track your progress toward improving your cholesterol and triglycerides.
Helpful Tips
At the Doctor's Office
Knowing what questions to ask when you visit your doctor can ensure you get a treatment that is right for you. Find out some of the questions you should be asking about treatment plans, your doctor's assessment of your health, staying on track and if TriCor is right for you.
Here are some questions to keep in mind at your next doctor's appointment:
- What factors led you to recommend my current treatment plan?
- What are all my cholesterol numbers, including bad cholesterol (LDL), good cholesterol (HDL) and triglycerides (trigs) and what do they mean?
- Do you have any additional tips that may help me stay on track and reach my goals?
- Would TriCor be a medication that would support my current treatment plan?
TriCor Uses
TriCor should only be used when other measures, such as diet and exercise, have not been enough. TriCor is a prescription medicine used along with diet in adults to lower triglycerides, total cholesterol, and bad cholesterol (LDL), and increase good cholesterol (HDL). TriCor is also used along with diet in adults to lower severely high triglycerides. Improving blood sugar control in certain people with diabetes may prevent the need for cholesterol drug therapy. TriCor was not shown to reduce the risk of having heart problems in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Safety Information
- TriCor should not be taken by people with liver, gallbladder, severe kidney disease, or by nursing mothers.
- TriCor may cause serious muscle problems with symptoms such as unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
- Blood tests are needed to check for liver problems and may be needed to check for kidney problems.
- Other serious side effects may include inflammation (swelling) of the gallbladder or pancreas (with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting), allergic-type reactions, blood clots, or possible changes in some blood test values.
At the Pharmacy
If your doctor prescribes TriCor, here’s some helpful advice to keep in mind at the pharmacy:
- If the pharmacist suggests a substitute for TriCor, ask him or her to consult your doctor before switching your medication.
- Your doctor should be made aware of any change in your medication, since it may be different from what he or she prescribed for you.
- If you have any questions about your medication or prescription, talk with your healthcare provider.
There’s no generic for TriCor 48 mg or 145 mg. If your pharmacist suggests a substitute, you can check with your doctor or just say you prefer TriCor.
At Home
Your treatment plan doesn’t end when you leave the doctor’s office or pick up your prescription at the pharmacy—maintaining a healthy diet and weight, and exercising regularly are critical steps to improve your cholesterol.
Use these tips to stay on track with managing your cholesterol at home:
- Eat a healthy diet made up of low-fat, high-fiber foods
- Get regular exercise
- Manage your weight
- Take cholesterol medication as prescribed
DOWNLOAD THESE TIPS to help you stay on track with your cholesterol management plan.
More Helpful Info
Please see the full Prescribing Information for TriCor.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
If you cannot afford your medication, contact: www.pparx.org or call the toll-free phone number
1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) for assistance.
Uses and Important Safety Information You Should Know About TriCor®
Uses for TriCor® (fenofibrate) Tablets1
- TriCor should only be used when other measures, such as diet and exercise, have not been enough.
- TriCor is a prescription medicine used along with diet in adults to lower triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL (bad) cholesterol, and increase HDL (good) cholesterol.
- TriCor is also used along with diet in adults to lower severely high triglycerides. Improving blood sugar control in certain people with diabetes may prevent the need for cholesterol drug therapy.
- TriCor was not shown to reduce the risk of having heart problems in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Important Safety Information for TriCor
- TriCor should not be taken by people with liver, gallbladder, or severe kidney disease, nursing mothers, or those allergic to any product ingredient.
- TriCor has not been shown to reduce the risk of having heart problems.
- TriCor can cause muscle problems. Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness may be a sign of a serious but rare muscle problem and should be reported to your healthcare provider right away.
- TriCor can cause liver problems. Blood tests are needed before and during treatment with TriCor to check for liver problems.
- Some people require blood tests to check for kidney problems while taking TriCor.
- TriCor may cause inflammation (swelling) of the gallbladder or pancreas. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including any other cholesterol medications, to determine if the combination of these medicines is right for you.
- TriCor may cause allergic-type reactions, blood clots, and possible changes in some blood test values.
- The most common side effects with TriCor include increases in liver or muscle enzymes measured by blood tests and congestion or allergy-like symptoms in the nose.
For more information, talk with your healthcare provider.
Please see the full Prescribing Information for TriCor.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
If you cannot afford your medication, contact: www.pparx.org or call the toll-free phone number 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) for assistance.