What are the uses for TriCor tablets?

TriCor, in addition to appropriate diet, is used to treat adults with high cholesterol, with or without elevated triglycerides (Fredrickson types IIa and IIb). TriCor reduces elevated LDL-C ("bad" cholesterol), total cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B, and increases HDL-C ("good" cholesterol).

TriCor, in addition to appropriate diet, is also used to treat adults with high triglycerides (Fredrickson types IV and V). Excessive body weight, drinking alcohol, diseases such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, and various drugs can contribute to high triglyceride levels and these should be assessed by your doctor before you take TriCor.

Your doctor should only consider prescribing TriCor to treat high cholesterol or high triglycerides after reasonable attempts have been made to reach good results with nondrug methods such as changing your diet, increasing exercise, and decreasing alcohol use. It is very important to stay on a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol while taking TriCor.

Is there anyone who should not take TriCor tablets?

TriCor tablets are not for everyone. TriCor should not be taken by people with serious liver or kidney disease, gallbladder disease, or by those who may be allergic or sensitive to the drug. If you think you have any of these conditions, please discuss them with your healthcare provider. He or she will then decide if you should take TriCor.

What side effects may occur with TriCor tablets?

TriCor tablets may sometimes cause changes in liver chemistry reports from the laboratory. Your healthcare provider should order regular periodic liver tests while you are taking TriCor tablets. Some people who take TriCor tablets have developed gallstones. You should contact your healthcare provider if you feel pain in the abdominal area while taking TriCor, as this can be a sign of gallstones or inflammation of the pancreas. TriCor tablets may cause muscle pain or serious muscle disease in some patients. If you unexpectedly feel muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness while taking TriCor, alert your healthcare provider immediately. TriCor tablets may also cause allergic-type reactions and possible changes in blood chemistry. Other side effects, such as respiratory symptoms, back pain, and headaches, should be reported to your healthcare provider.

Will TriCor tablets affect other drugs I may be taking?

You should let your healthcare provider know if you are taking any other drugs while taking TriCor tablets.

TriCor tablets may have an effect on drugs that help prevent blood clotting, such as the blood thinner Coumadin® (warfarin sodium tablets, USP). If you are taking TriCor tablets with a blood-thinning medication, your healthcare provider may want to monitor your blood-clotting tests more frequently.

You should alert your healthcare provider about any cholesterol-lowering medications you may be taking, as he or she will need to determine if the combination of TriCor tablets and one of those drugs is right for you.

Coumadin is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.