Fenofibrate

( Tricor )

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jul 08, 2022

Common Questions


Common Questions about fenofibrate


Is fenofibrate safer than a statin?

Fibrates such as fenofibrate are safe and effective cholesterol-lowering medications, but like all medicines, they carry the risk of side effects. In particular, fibrates are not safe for use by patients with advanced kidney disease or liver disease. Statins also carry some risks. It is best to let your doctor determine which is the safer and better option for you. 



Is it okay to take fenofibrate and atorvastatin together?

Fenofibrate should not be combined with a statin such as atorvastatin except under strict medical supervision because the combination can increase the risk of side effects. For instance, the risk of muscle damage from either fenofibrate or a statin alone is small, but studies have shown that combining fenofibrate and a statin can increase this risk by sixfold.



Can I drink alcohol while taking fenofibrate?

You should avoid drinking alcohol while on fenofibrate. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels and increase your risk of liver damage. 



How long does fenofibrate take to work?

It can take up to 2 months for fenofibrate to affect your cholesterol numbers. Your doctor will order blood tests to check your cholesterol levels every 4-8 weeks and adjust your fenofibrate dose accordingly. If there is no change in your cholesterol levels after 2 months on fenofibrate, you may need to come off this medicine and try something else. 



Can I switch between different brand names of fenofibrate?

While all brand names of fenofibrate contain the same active ingredient, there are some differences between them. The first difference is the dose. The other difference is that some forms of fenofibrate can be taken either with or without food (TriCor, Fibricor, Antara), while others need to be taken with meals (Fenoglide, Lipofen). Call your doctor before changing from one brand name to another.  



What is the price of fenofibrate without insurance?

Without insurance, fenofibrate can be as high as $75.99, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $15.96 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions of fenofibrate like Tricor. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. 



What is the price of fenofibrate with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on fenofibrate—copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for fenofibrate. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medication, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.