Lipidil EZ

Uses of Lipidil EZ

Lipidil reduces bad cholesterol (LDL [low-density lipoproteins] and VLDL [very low-density lipoproteins]) and triglycerides in your blood. It also increases good cholesterol (HDL [high-density lipoprotein]) levels. Bringing cholesterol levels in the blood into the desired range has been shown to reduce the risks associated with heart disease, such as heart attack

Precautions and Warnings

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Blood cells: This medication can cause small, temporary decreases in red and white blood cell counts. Your doctor will check for this with blood tests during the first year of treatment.

Combination therapy: The use of fenofibrate and “statin” medications (e.g., atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin) at the same time may increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking the two types of medications together.

Gallbladder disease: For some people, fenofibrate (crystals) aggravates gallbladder disease and can cause gallstones. If you have gallbladder disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience abdominal or stomach pain, gas, nausea, or bloating (especially after eating high-fat foods), contact your doctor.

Kidney function: People with reduced kidney function may be more at risk of certain side effects when taking fenofibrate (crystals). Depending on the degree of kidney function impairment, lower doses of fenofibrate (crystals) may be needed. People with severely reduced kidney function and those undergoing dialysis treatment should not take this medication.

Liver function: If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Fenofibrate (crystals) may cause decreased liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Muscle problems: Treatment with this type of medication has been associated on rare occasions with muscle pain, usually in people with reduced kidney function. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if you have malaise (a general feeling of illness) or fever.

Pancreatitis: Fenofibrate can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. If you have a history of pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience severe upper abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking fenofibrate, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

Seniors: Seniors are more likely to have reduced kidney function and may need lower doses of this medication.

Dosage

The usual adult dose of fenofibrate (crystals) is 145 mg once daily taken with or without food. The maximum recommended dose is 145 mg daily.

For seniors or people with reduced kidney function, the starting dose is 48 mg once daily with or without food.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• runny or stuffy nose
• sneezing