Fenofibrate tips from pharmacists

• Fenofibrate works to lower cholesterol in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

• Some formulations of fenofibrate are delayed-release forms. Do not split, chew, or crush these tablets. It can lead to the release of a large dose of the medicine all at once instead of over several hours.

• Ask your pharmacist whether you should take fenofibrate with food. Some forms of the drug need to be taken with meals.

• If you are taking a bile acid sequestrant (other drugs used to lower cholesterol such as cholestyramine (Questran), colestipol (Colestid), or colesevelam (WelChol), take these medications 4-6 hours before or 1 hour after fenofibrate.

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