Patient FAQs
Why has my doctor given me TriCor tablets?TriCor tablets are used for two reasons: to help reduce levels of lipids or fats (such as cholesterol or triglycerides) in the blood, and to help increase the level of HDL (good cholesterol) in the blood. There are four types of cholesterol that are most often monitored:
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 non-drug 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. How do I take TriCor?TriCor tablets are available in two strengths: 145 mg and 48mg. TriCor (145 mg and 48 mg) can be taken with or without food. What should I do if I miss a dose of TriCor?If you forget to take one of your doses at the scheduled time, go ahead and take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. DO NOT take a double dose. If you have any questions, contact your doctor or pharmacist. What should I do if I run out of TriCor tablets?If you have refills available on your current prescription of TriCor, you can call your pharmacist for additional tablets. If no refills are available on your current prescription, you should talk with your doctor about obtaining a new prescription for 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 affect other drugs I may be taking?You should let your doctor 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® (warfarin sodium tablets, USP) is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb. If I have other questions about TriCor, is there someone I can call?You can always ask your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider for more information. You may also call Abbott Laboratories Medical Information at 1-800-633-9110. If you would like more detailed information ask your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. For the full prescribing information, click here. |
