Lipicard Capsule (Fenofibrate 200mg)

INTRODUCTION

LIPICARD 200MG contains fenofibrate which belongs to the group of medicines called fibrates. It helps to reduce cholesterol (LDL; bad cholesterol) and triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood. Increase in these types of fatty acids are often associated with cardiovascular risk factors like atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack or chest pain. Additionally, fenofibrate also increases the amount of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) in the blood.

Fenofibrate increases lipid metabolism by activating peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα) receptor. It can be used in addition with other medicines like statins in certain circumstances when levels of fats in blood are not controlled with a statin alone. Along with the therapy, your doctor might recommend you follow a low fat diet including fruits, greens, vegetables and sprouts. Other lifestyle changes may include exercising regularly, improving sleep at night, managing stress, quitting alcohol or smoking.

This medicine may rarely cause muscle pain or weakness or kidney damage. If you experience any unexplained muscle cramps or pain, stop taking this medicine and contact a doctor immediately. It should be used with caution in patients with pancreatitis, underactive thyroid, liver or kidney disease. This medicine is strictly not recommended for use in pregnant, or breastfeeding women and in children aged less than 18 years.

USES OF LIPICARD 200MG

Hypercholesterolemia (increased cholesterol levels in blood)Hypertriglyceridemia (increased triglyceride levels in blood)

HOW LIPICARD 200MG WORKS

Fenofibrate enhances lipolysis and elimination of triglyceride-rich particles from plasma by activating lipoprotein lipase and by reducing the production of apoprotein C-III (an inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase activity).

It also activates peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha receptor, which generates peroxisomes filled with hydrogen peroxide, reactive oxygen species and few hydroxyl radicals that also induces lipolysis and enhance lipid metabolism.

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DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take LIPICARD 200MG as directed by your physician. It should be taken only after meals. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF LIPICARD 200MG

SERIOUS
Allergic reaction (such as swelling of face/lips/tongue or throat, difficulty in breathing)
Muscle cramps or weakness
Stomach pain
Chest pain
Pain, redness or swelling in leg
Jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes)
COMMON
Diarrhea, stomach pain, wind
Feeling sick or being sick
RARE
Hair loss
Skin sensitivity
Hepatitis

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Feeling sick (nausea):

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meal. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Bloating or wind:

Eat smaller and frequent meals. Eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. If the symptoms get worse, contact your doctor straight away.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any medicines without speaking to a doctor.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
LIPICARD 200MG is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

BREASTFEEDING
LIPICARD 200MG is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines if your ability is affected by this medicine.

ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.

KIDNEY
LIPICARD 200MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER
LIPICARD 200MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to fenofibrate.

OTHERS

Do not take this medicine, if you have:

Severe pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas) which is not caused by high levels of fat in your blood

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor about all medicines you take, especially:

Medicines used to stop blood clotting (e.g. warfarin)
Other medicines used to control cholesterol levels in blood (e.g. rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, clofibrate
Medicines used to treat diabetes (such as rosiglitazone or pioglitazone)
Ciclosporin (used to avoid graft rejection)