Generic Tricor

Introduction

Tricor is a lipid‑modifying medication used primarily to lower elevated triglyceride levels and to increase high‑density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The product contains the active compound fenofibrate, a member of the fibrate class of drugs, and is classified within the cholesterol‑lowering medication group. In the United Kingdom, Tricor is prescribed when lifestyle measures alone are insufficient to control dyslipidaemia, especially in patients with mixed hyperlipidaemia or hypertriglyceridaemia that places them at higher cardiovascular risk.

What is Tricor?

Tricor is a tablet formulation that delivers fenofibrate, a synthetic peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor‑α (PPAR‑α) agonist. The medication was developed to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of fenofibrate, offering better absorption when taken with a meal. Tricor is marketed by Abbott Laboratories (now part of AbbVie) in several territories, including the UK.

Fenofibrate is also sold under other brand names such as Lofibra, Antara, Lipofen, and Trilipix. These products contain the same active ingredient and are considered therapeutically equivalent.

How Tricor Works

Fenofibrate activates the nuclear receptor PPAR‑α, which regulates the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism. Activation leads to:

• Increased β‑oxidation of fatty acids in the liver and muscle, reducing circulating triglycerides.
• Enhanced synthesis of apolipoprotein A‑I and A‑II, the main protein components of HDL particles, thereby modestly raising HDL‑cholesterol.
• Reduced hepatic production of very‑low‑density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles, contributing further to triglyceride reduction.

The pharmacodynamic effect becomes measurable within one to two weeks, with maximal lipid‑lowering usually achieved after 4–6 weeks of continuous therapy. Fenofibrate has a half‑life of approximately 20 hours, allowing once‑daily dosing. The drug is extensively metabolised in the liver and eliminated primarily via the kidneys.

Conditions Treated with Tricor

• Primary hypertriglyceridaemia (fasting triglycerides ≥ 2.3 mmol/L).
• Mixed dyslipidaemia (elevated triglycerides combined with low HDL‑C).
• Secondary hypertriglyceridaemia associated with diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, obesity, or alcohol excess.
• Familial hypercholesterolaemia as an adjunct to statin therapy when triglyceride control is also needed.

In the UK, cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality, and dyslipidaemia is a key modifiable risk factor. Population surveys indicate that up to 12 % of adults have triglyceride levels above the therapeutic threshold, underscoring the clinical relevance of agents such as Tricor.

Suitable Candidates for Tricor Treatment

• Adults (≥ 18 years) with documented fasting triglyceride levels above 2.3 mmol/L despite at least 3 months of diet, exercise, and weight‑management interventions.
• Patients whose LDL‑cholesterol is adequately controlled with statins but who retain residual cardiovascular risk due to high triglycerides or low HDL‑C.
• Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus where triglyceride reduction is part of overall metabolic control.
• Patients intolerant to high‑dose statins who require an alternative pathway to improve lipid profile.

Contra‑indications / situations where Tricor may be inappropriate

• Severe hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh class C) or active liver disease.
• End‑stage renal disease (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min).
• Known hypersensitivity to fenofibrate, any fibrate, or excipients in the tablet.
• Biliary obstruction or gallstone disease causing chronic cholestasis.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Gastro‑intestinal discomfort (abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea).
• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) without clinical hepatitis.
• Mild increase in serum creatinine (typically reversible after discontinuation).

Rare

• Myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, particularly when combined with statins.
• Acute pancreatitis, most often linked to very high triglyceride levels at baseline.
• Dermatologic reactions such as rash or pruritus.

Serious

• Severe hepatic injury (hepatitis, jaundice).
• Life‑threatening rhabdomyolysis with renal failure.
• Anaphylaxis or angio‑edema (extremely uncommon).

Drug–Drug Interactions

• Statins (especially simvastatin, lovastatin): increased risk of myopathy; dose reduction of the statin is recommended.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): fenofibrate may potentiate anticoagulant effect; monitor INR closely.
• Bile‑acid sequestrants (cholestyramine, colestipol): may reduce fenofibrate absorption; separate administration by at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after the sequestrant.
• Cyclosporine: can raise fenofibrate plasma concentrations; monitor renal function.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements, to their healthcare professional before initiating Tricor.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dose: one 145 mg tablet taken orally with the main meal of the day. Some formulations provide 160 mg; dosing should follow the specific product’s prescribing information.
• Renal adjustment: for creatinine clearance 30–50 mL/min, a reduced dose (e.g., 145 mg every other day) may be considered; values below 30 mL/min are contraindicated.
• Missed dose: take the missed tablet as soon as remembered provided it is still the same day. If the day is already advanced, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule; do not double‑dose.
• Overdose: symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness. Seek immediate medical attention; supportive care (e.g., activated charcoal, observation) is the mainstay of treatment.

Practical precautions

• Consistently take Tricor with food to maximise absorption.
• Avoid excessive alcohol intake, which can exacerbate triglyceride elevation and liver stress.
• Regular laboratory monitoring (lipid profile, liver enzymes, renal function) is recommended at baseline, 4–6 weeks after initiation, and periodically thereafter.

Buying Tricor from Our Online Pharmacy

Tricor can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in the UK. Our service offers:

• Cost‑effective pricing that approaches manufacturer‑direct rates, making generic fenofibrate an affordable alternative to brand‑only options.
• Verified quality through partnerships with licensed overseas pharmacies that adhere to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.
• Guaranteed delivery with discreet packaging; standard delivery arrives within 7 days (express) or approximately 3 weeks for regular airmail.
• Online‑only access to medications that may be limited in local high‑street pharmacies, helping patients who lack a regular pharmacy or whose insurance does not cover the drug.

We operate as a pharmacy broker service, acting as an intermediary between international licensed suppliers and UK customers. This model enables a privacy‑focused experience, ensuring that personal health information is handled confidentially throughout the ordering process.

FAQ

• Is Tricor available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. While Tricor is a brand‑name product, generic versions containing the same active ingredient, fenofibrate, are also marketed. Generic formulations are typically less expensive and provide the same therapeutic benefit when prescribed appropriately.

• What does a Tricor tablet look like, and how can I recognise it?
  Tricor tablets are white, round, film‑coated, and debossed with the imprint “145 mg”. Generic fenofibrate tablets may differ in colour, shape, or imprint depending on the manufacturer, but the strength is always indicated on the packaging.

• Can Tricor be stored in a hot climate, such as during summer travel?
  The medication should be kept at a controlled room temperature, generally between 15 °C and 30 °C. Prolonged exposure to high heat or direct sunlight can degrade the active ingredient, so it is advisable to store the tablets in a cool, dry place while travelling.

• Do the inactive ingredients in Tricor cause any known allergies?
  Inactive components include microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, and magnesium stearate. Patients with known lactose intolerance or hypersensitivity to any of these excipients should discuss alternatives with a healthcare professional.

• Is there a difference between fenofibrate formulations marketed in the EU versus the US?
  The core active ingredient is identical; however, bioavailability can vary due to differences in salt form (e.g., fenofibric acid vs. micronised fenofibrate) and tablet coating technology. EU‑approved products such as Tricor are formulated to meet European regulatory standards for absorption when taken with a meal.

• Can fenofibrate be detected in standard drug‑testing panels?
  Fenofibrate is not a controlled substance and is not screened for in routine occupational drug tests. It generally does not interfere with standard immunoassay‑based panels.

• How does Tricor interact with vitamin D supplements?
  No clinically significant interaction has been reported between fenofibrate and vitamin D. Patients may continue routine vitamin D supplementation, though routine monitoring of calcium and renal function remains advisable for all individuals on lipid‑lowering therapy.

• What is the historical significance of fenofibrate in lipid management?
  Fenofibrate was first approved in the 197s as a means to address severe hypertriglyceridaemia. Over subsequent decades, large outcome trials (e.g., FIELD, ACCORD) explored its cardiovascular benefits, leading to its current role as an adjunct to statin therapy in selected high‑risk patients.

• Are there any special considerations for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding?
  Fenofibrate is classified as pregnancy category C in the UK, indicating that risk cannot be ruled out. It is generally avoided during pregnancy and lactation unless the potential benefit justifies the risk. Women planning a pregnancy should discuss alternative lipid‑management strategies with their clinician.

• Does the presence of a high‑fat meal affect the absorption of Tricor?
  Yes. Fenofibrate absorption is markedly enhanced when taken with a meal that contains dietary fat, as the drug is lipophilic. Patients are advised to ingest the tablet with their main daily meal to ensure optimal bioavailability.

Glossary

Peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor‑α (PPAR‑α)

A nuclear receptor that, when activated, influences the expression of genes involved in fatty‑acid oxidation and lipoprotein metabolism, leading to reduced triglyceride levels.

Hypertriglyceridaemia

A condition characterised by fasting triglyceride concentrations above the normal range (typically > 2.3 mmol/L), which increases the risk of pancreatitis and cardiovascular disease.

Bioavailability

The proportion of an administered dose of a drug that reaches the systemic circulation in an active form; for fenofibrate, food‑enhanced bioavailability is an important consideration.

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)

International quality standards that ensure pharmaceutical products are consistently produced and controlled according to established quality criteria.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Tricor is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Tricor for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.