Lipidil (Fenofibrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Lipidil Used For?
Lipidil contains fenofibrate and belongs to a group of medicines called fibric acid derivatives. It helps regulate fat-like substances in your blood to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Primary Uses
Lipidil is used to help regulate cholesterol and triglycerides, which are fat-like substances in the blood. It may also slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes who have this eye complication.
How It Works
Lipidil works by activating a cell nuclear receptor called PPARα, which reduces the amount of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL) made in your body and increases the good cholesterol (HDL). This helps prevent cholesterol from sticking to blood vessel walls and forming plaque that can block blood flow.
Good to know: Lipidil does not reduce cholesterol that comes from fat in food, so you’ll need to follow a low-fat diet and exercise while taking this medicine.
How to Take Lipidil
Take Lipidil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.
Dosage Instructions
The initial recommended dose is 145 mg daily, taken as 1 x 145 mg tablet. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose if you have kidney problems. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Continue any dietary measures you started before treatment.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take Lipidil regularly at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase the chance of unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- stomach pain or discomfort
- back pain
- headache
- muscular pain or spasms
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- diarrhea or constipation
- nausea
- skin reactions, photosensitivity reactions
- sexual dysfunction
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- difficulty in breathing
- severe abdominal pain
- chest pain
- temporary paralysis of the muscles
- yellowing of the skin and eyes and dark colored urine
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Lipidil should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Lipidil
Do not take Lipidil if you are allergic to fenofibrate, any fibrates (such as gemfibrozil), ketoprofen, peanuts, peanut oil, soy lecithin or related products. Do not use if you have liver disease, severe kidney disease, gallbladder or pancreas disease, or if you’ve experienced muscle pain from other cholesterol medicines. Do not take with another fibrate medicine or give to anyone under 18 years old.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver disease, gallbladder or pancreas disease, or if you’ve experienced muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness from other cholesterol medications. Also inform your doctor about any allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Lipidil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may affect your developing baby during pregnancy, and the active ingredient passes into breast milk and may affect your baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Lipidil and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- oral anti-coagulants (blood thinning medicines)
- other cholesterol regulating medicines including fibrates
- ciclosporin (immune system suppressing medicine)
- glitazones (diabetes medicines to reduce sugar levels)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and driving while taking Lipidil, as it may affect your ability to drive safely.
Alcohol
Avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol while taking Lipidil, as this may increase your chance of developing liver problems.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Lipidil affects you. Lipidil may cause dizziness in some people.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the original pack until it’s time to take them. Store the medicine in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Keep away from moisture, heat, or sunlight – don’t store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Lipidil, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department. Symptoms of overdose may include diarrhea and nausea. Do this even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor will request blood fat checks to monitor how well Lipidil is working. The timeframe for effectiveness varies by individual, so follow up with your doctor as scheduled.
Yes, Lipidil can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Continue any dietary measures you started before treatment.
Do not stop using Lipidil suddenly. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and consult them before stopping this medication.
Avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol while taking Lipidil, as this may increase your chance of developing liver problems.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Yes, Lipidil has been shown to slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes who have been diagnosed with this eye complication.
Yes, Lipidil does not reduce cholesterol that comes from fat in food. You need to follow a low-fat diet and other measures like exercise and weight control while taking this medicine.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.