Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe
About
Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe belongs to a class of medications called ‘fibrates’, ‘HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)’ and ‘sterol absorption inhibitor’ Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe is primarily used to treat high cholesterol levels. Dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol level) is the deposition of unhealthy levels of fats (lipids) in the blood. In this condition, there is always a high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol), triglycerides (TG) and a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol).
Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe is a combination medicine that contains Fenofibrate (fibrates), Atorvastatin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)) and Ezetimibe (sterol absorption inhibitor). Fenofibrate works by lowering the level of triglyceride in the blood. Atorvastatin helps to decrease the production of cholesterol that may build up in the blood vessels (arteries) of the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. Lowering cholesterol levels help prevent the chance of having heart diseases such as heart attacks and strokes in the future. On the other hand, Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that avoids cholesterol absorption from the intestines. Together, they provide a better decrease in cholesterol in your body.
Take Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical conditions. You may experience nausea, constipation, stomach pain, muscle pain, headache, increased glucose levels in the blood, and increased liver enzymes. Most of these side effects of Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to any part of Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe because Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe contains Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin that may harm an unborn baby. Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe is not recommended for children below 6 years of age, as the safety and effectiveness were not established. If you experience yellowing of the skin (Jaundice), allergic reaction, cramps, or weak muscles, immediately contact your doctor.
Uses of Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe
Medicinal Benefits
Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe is beneficial for patients with Hypertriglyceridemia (high level of triglycerides), Hypercholesterolemia (high level of cholesterol), and Mixed Dyslipidaemia (elevated level of triglycerides – TG, low-density lipoprotein – LDL, and low level of high-density lipoprotein – HDL). Fenofibrate works by increasing the enzyme (a natural substance) that breaks down fats or lipids present in the blood. Besides this, Fenofibrate also helps in reducing the raised uric acid levels by increasing the excretion of uric acid through urination. It is also prescribed to diabetes patients who have an increased level of lipid and cholesterol to minimize cardiovascular risks like heart attack, stroke, and heart-related chest pain (angina). Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe contains Atorvastatin which helps lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in the state of dyslipidaemia or hyperlipidaemia. Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe also lowers the amount of fat or cholesterol deposition (plaque) in the arteries of the heart, thereby reducing the chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the future. Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe contains Ezetimibe which is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that avoids absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. Together, they provide a better decrease in cholesterol in your body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe
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Nausea
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Constipation
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Stomach pain
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Muscle pain
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Headache
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Increased glucose levels
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Increased liver enzymes.
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or other medicines. You should contact a doctor if you have liver or kidney problems or severe lung disease. If you have a muscle problem, inform your doctor. Do not take this Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe if you have a previous heart attack or stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, have hypothyroidism, drink more than 2 servings of alcohol per day, and have a muscle disorder (fibromyalgia). Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe is not safe for children as the safety and efficacy of Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe in children have not been established. Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe contains fenofibrate which is contraindicated in gallstone patients, as there is an increased level of cholesterol in the bile leading to cholelithiasis. Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe has Ezetimibe which contains a sugar called lactose. If your doctor has told you that you are intolerant to some sugars, talk to your doctor before taking this Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, then immediately inform your doctor because Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe contains Atorvastatin which may harm an unborn baby. If you are a breastfeeding mother, immediately contact your doctor, as it is unknown if this Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe passes into breast milk.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: This medicine may interact with antifungal medicines (Itraconazole), HIV medicines (ritonavir, atazanavir), other cholesterol-lowering pills (gemfibrozil), medicines for heart disease (digoxin), blood thinner (warfarin), antibiotics (daptomycin, telithromycin), medicines for reducing immune system (cyclosporine), hepatitis C medicines (telaprevir, glecaprevir + pibrentasvir).
Food-Drug Interaction: Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe may interact with grapefruit. Avoid drinking alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Patients with serious liver disease (jaundice), kidney disease, lung disease, and muscle weakness (rhabdomyolysis) should be closely monitored while having treatment with Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionLimit consumption of alcohol while taking this Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe as it may cause serious side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeFenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe is generally not recommended for use in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe.
Breast Feeding
cautionFenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe is known to pass into breast milk and can affect your infant. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe.
Driving
safe if prescribedFenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionFenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe should be taken with caution if you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition. A prolonged intake of Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe can lead to liver enzyme abnormalities.
Kidney
cautionFenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe should be taken with caution, especially if you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Children
cautionThe safety and efficiency of Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe have not been established in children below 10 years of age. Please consult your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
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Eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), and other lifestyle changes that may help this Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking.
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Using this Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe with alcohol can lead to additive side effects such as increased drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you are drinking alcohol-containing beverages.
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If you notice slurred speech, confusion, severe weakness, or difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
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Try aromatherapy, yoga, and meditation to help relax your body and mind.
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Try to do breathing exercises to get more oxygen.
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Eat a healthy diet rich in soluble fibre like beans, legumes, whole grains, flax, apples, and citrus fruits.
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Try to replace most of your saturated fats with unsaturated fats that can reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol quickly. Foods like avocados, olive oil, fatty fish, and nuts contain lots of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, so it’s beneficial to eat them regularly.
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Try to adopt a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and fish, and low in red meat and most dairy.
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Try to give priority to more fruits and veggies in your daily meal as these contain antioxidants that help to lower LDL
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Minimize the intake of added sugar. The American Heart Association (ADA) recommends one should not eat more than 100 calories (25 grams) of added sugar for women and children and no more than 150 calories (37.5 grams) for men every day.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hyperlipidemia occurs when there are too many lipids (or fats), like cholesterol and triglycerides (TG). Hypercholesterolemia is a type of Hyperlipidemia in which there is excessive low-density lipoprotein - LDL (bad cholesterol) and low level of high-density lipoprotein - HDL (good cholesterol) in your blood. This condition increases the deposition of fats on the lining of heart arteries which increases the risk of heart blockage and other blood clot problems.
FAQs
Yes. Muscle weakness can be the long-term side effect of Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe. You may have muscle fatigue or muscle pain which affects your daily activity. Try to contact a doctor if you have muscle weakness or fatigue.
Yes, Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe can be taken at night or any other time with or without food. It is better to take it at a fixed time.
Yes, Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe can make you feel tired as it reduces the energy supply to the muscles in the body. People suffering from heart or liver diseases feel more tired while taking Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe. Please consult your doctor if you feel tired while taking Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe.
When you have more than your body requirements, cholesterol can result in plaque to build-up in your blood vessels. This thick, hard plaque can block your arteries like a blocked pipe. Decreased blood flow can cause heart attack and stroke.
Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe contains Atorvastatin which can raise your blood sugar a little. If you already have type 2 diabetes please consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dosage of Fenofibrate+atorvastatin+ezetimibe.
