What is the most important information I should know about Tricor?

• Tricor is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Tricor. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking Tricor.
• Tricor has been associated with a rare but serious side effect of the muscles. Contact your doctor at once if you have unusual muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if accompanied by fever or flu-like feeling.

What is Tricor?

• Tricor helps reduce cholesterol and triclygerides (fatty acids) in the blood. High levels of these types of fat in the blood are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries)
• Tricor is used to treat high cholsterol and high triglyceride levels.
• Tricor may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Tricor?

• You should not use Tricor if you have:
  • hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver;
  • severe kidney disease; or
  • gallbladder disease.
• Before using Tricor, tell your doctor if you have:
  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease;
  • gallbladder disease;
  • hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland); or
  • diabetes.
• If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Tricor, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
• FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
• Tricor should not be used by nursing mothers. Do not take Tricor without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Tricor?

• Take Tricor exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Tricor should be taken with meals to help your body better absorb the medicine.
• It is important to take Tricor regularly to get the most benefit.
• If you also take cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), take these medicines at least 1 hour after taking Tricor, or 4 to 6 hours before taking Tricor. Do not take either of these medicines at the same time you take Tricor.
• Tricor is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
• To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver and gallbladder function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
• Store Tricor at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Tricor overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking Tricor?

• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Tricor. Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, and may also damage your liver while you are taking Tricor.

What are the possible side effects of Tricor?

• Tricor has been associated with a rare but serious side effect of the muscles. Contact your doctor at once if you have unusual muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if accompanied by fever or flu-like feeling.
• Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using Tricor and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
  • severe stomach pain;
  • nausea, vomiting;
  • unusual weakness;
  • fever.
• Continue using Tricor and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
  • joint pain;
  • indigestion;
  • bloating or gas; or
  • a rash.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Tricor?

• Before taking Tricor, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
  • a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
  • cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf); or
  • other cholesterol-lowering medicines such as lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol), atorvastatin (Lipitor), or cerivastatin (Baycol).
• If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take Tricor, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
• There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Tricor. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.