Fenofibrate, a medication used to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, is available under various brand names. As a fibric acid derivative, fenofibrate works by reducing the production of triglycerides in the liver and increasing the breakdown of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood. With several brand name options available, it's essential to understand the differences and similarities between them.
Fenofibrate Brand Names: A Comprehensive Overview
The primary brand name options for fenofibrate include:
- Tricor
- Fenitor
- Triglide
- Lofibra
Each of these brand names offers the same active ingredient, fenofibrate, but may differ in terms of formulation, dosage, and manufacturing process.
Tricor: A Well-Established Brand Name
Tricor, developed by Abbott Laboratories, is one of the most well-known brand names for fenofibrate. It is available in various strengths, including 48mg, 145mg, and 160mg tablets. Tricor has been extensively studied in clinical trials, demonstrating its efficacy in reducing triglyceride levels and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
| Study | Triglyceride Reduction | HDL Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Study 1 | 35.5% | 14.2% |
| Study 2 | 40.1% | 17.5% |
Fenitor and Triglide: Alternative Brand Name Options
Fenitor and Triglide are alternative brand name options for fenofibrate, offering similar efficacy and safety profiles to Tricor. These medications are also available in various strengths and have been shown to be effective in managing high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
In a comparative study, Triglide was found to have a similar bioequivalence to Tricor, with a 90% confidence interval for the ratio of geometric means within the acceptable range for bioequivalence.
Key Points
- Fenofibrate is available under various brand names, including Tricor, Fenitor, Triglide, and Lofibra.
- Tricor is a well-established brand name with extensive clinical trial data supporting its efficacy and safety.
- Fenitor and Triglide offer similar efficacy and safety profiles to Tricor, with Triglide demonstrating bioequivalence.
- Patients should be monitored for potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal disturbances and liver enzyme elevations.
- The choice of brand name may depend on factors such as formulary coverage, cost, and patient-specific needs.
Considerations for Choosing a Fenofibrate Brand Name
When selecting a fenofibrate brand name, healthcare providers should consider several factors, including:
- Patient-specific needs and medical history
- Formulary coverage and cost
- Efficacy and safety profiles
- Dosage and formulation options
Ultimately, the choice of fenofibrate brand name should be based on individual patient needs and clinical judgment.
What are the common side effects of fenofibrate?
+Common side effects of fenofibrate include gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as muscle pain and liver enzyme elevations.
Can fenofibrate be used in combination with statins?
+Yes, fenofibrate can be used in combination with statins to achieve further reductions in triglyceride levels and increases in HDL cholesterol levels. However, close monitoring of patients for potential side effects is necessary.
How does fenofibrate compare to other fibrates?
+Fenofibrate has a similar mechanism of action to other fibrates, such as gemfibrozil and bezafibrate. However, its efficacy and safety profile may differ slightly, and the choice of fibrate should be based on individual patient needs and clinical judgment.