SUMMARY CMI
FENOFIBRATE LUPIN
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I taking FENOFIBRATE LUPIN?
FENOFIBRATE LUPIN contains the active ingredient fenofibrate. FENOFIBRATE LUPIN helps to regulate cholesterol and triglycerides (fat-like substances) in the blood. If untreated, hard areas can form on your blood vessels, which may cause heart attack, and angina or stroke. For more information, see Section 1. Why am I taking FENOFIBRATE LUPIN? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I take FENOFIBRATE LUPIN?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to fenofibrate, any other any fibrates (such as gemfibrozil), ketoprofen, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I take FENOFIBRATE LUPIN? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with FENOFIBRATE LUPIN and affect how it works.
A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.
4. How do I take FENOFIBRATE LUPIN?
- Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.
- The initial recommended dose is 145 mg daily, taken as 1 tablet daily. A lower dose may be required if you have kidney problems.
More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I take FENOFIBRATE LUPIN? in the full CMI.
5. What should I know while taking FENOFIBRATE LUPIN?
Things you should do |
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Things you should not do |
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Driving or using machines |
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Drinking alcohol |
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Looking after your medicine |
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For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while taking FENOFIBRATE LUPIN? in the full CMI.
6. Are there any side effects?
Common side effects include stomach pain or discomfort, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, back pain, muscular pain or spasms, skin reactions, photosensitivity reactions, sore throat, discomfort when swallowing, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, facial pressure or pain, sexual dysfunction, headache, unusual tiredness or weakness.
Serious side effects include severe abdominal pain, temporary paralysis of the muscles, yellowing of the skin and eyes, difficulty in breathing, dark coloured urine or chest pain. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include skin rash, itching, shortness of breath or swelling of the face, lips or tongue, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
FULL CMI
FENOFIBRATE LUPIN
Active ingredient: fenofibrate
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about taking FENOFIBRATE LUPIN. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about taking FENOFIBRATE LUPIN.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I taking FENOFIBRATE LUPIN?
2. What should I know before I take FENOFIBRATE LUPIN?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I take FENOFIBRATE LUPIN?
5. What should I know while taking FENOFIBRATE LUPIN?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details
1. Why am I taking FENOFIBRATE LUPIN?
FENOFIBRATE LUPIN contains the active ingredient fenofibrate. FENOFIBRATE LUPIN belongs to a group of medicines known as fibric acid derivatives. It works through the activation of a cell nuclear receptor called PPARα, which reduces the amount of triglycerides and bad cholesterol made in the body and increases the good cholesterol.
Cholesterol is present in many foods and is also made in your body by the liver. If your body does not balance the amount of cholesterol it needs with the amount of cholesterol eaten, then your cholesterol becomes too high.
High cholesterol is more likely to occur with certain diseases or if you have a family history of high cholesterol.
When you have high levels of cholesterol it may 'stick' to the inside of your blood vessels instead of being carried to the parts of the body where it is needed.
Over time, this can form hard areas (called plaque) on the walls of your blood vessels, making it more difficult for the blood to flow. This blocking of your blood vessels can lead to heart disease (such as heart attack and angina), and stroke.
FENOFIBRATE LUPIN is used to help regulate cholesterol and triglycerides which are fat-like substances in the blood.
Cholesterol is carried through the body by different proteins, LDL and HDL. LDL cholesterol is the 'bad' cholesterol that can block your blood vessels. HDL cholesterol is the 'good' cholesterol that is thought to remove the 'bad' cholesterol from the blood vessels.
In most patients, fenofibrate reduces the bad cholesterol and can actually raise the good cholesterol. It does not reduce the cholesterol that comes from fat in food.
Therefore, when you are taking FENOFIBRATE LUPIN, you also need to follow a low-fat diet and other measures, such as exercise and weight control.
Patients with type 2 diabetes may have some level of diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that may lead to vision loss or impairment. FENOFIBRATE LUPIN has been shown to slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy in patients diagnosed with this condition.
2. What should I know before I take FENOFIBRATE LUPIN?
Warnings
Do not use FENOFIBRATE LUPIN if you:
- are allergic to fenofibrate, any other any fibrates (such as gemfibrozil), ketoprofen, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, rash, or itching or hives on the skin. - are pregnant.
- are breastfeeding.
- have liver disease
- have severe kidney disease
- are currently taking another fibrate drug (e.g. gemfibrozil).
- have disease of the gallbladder or pancreas
- have muscle pain, tenderness or weakness from other medicines used to treat high cholesterol or triglycerides
- are allergic to peanuts, peanut oil, soy lecithin or related products.
- are under the age of 18 years.
Safety and effectiveness in children younger than 18 years have not been established.
Check with your doctor if you:
- have kidney problems
- have muscular aching, tenderness or weakness not caused by exercise
- drink large amounts of alcohol
- have any other medical conditions
- take any medicines for any other condition
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not use FENOFIBRATE LUPIN if you are pregnant. It may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy.
Do not breastfeed if you are taking this medicine. Fenofibrate passes into breast milk and there is a possibility that your baby may be affected.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and fenofibrate may interfere with each other. These include:
- oral anti-coagulants, medicines used to prevent blood clots
- other cholesterol regulating medicines including fibrates
- ciclosporin, a medicine which suppresses the immune system
- glitazones, used to reduce sugar levels
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect FENOFIBRATE LUPIN.
4. How do I take FENOFIBRATE LUPIN?
How much to take
- The initial recommended dose is 145 mg daily, taken as 1 x 145 mg tablet.
- Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose if you have kidney problems.
- Follow the instructions provided and take FENOFIBRATE LUPIN until your doctor tells you to stop. Fenofibrate helps to regulate your levels of cholesterol (both LDL and HDL) and triglycerides but does not cure it. It is important to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well.
When to take FENOFIBRATE LUPIN
FENOFIBRATE LUPIN can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. Any dietary measures started before treatment with this medicine should be continued.
Take your medicine at about the same time each day. Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.
How to take FENOFIBRATE LUPIN
Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.
If you forget to take FENOFIBRATE LUPIN
FENOFIBRATE LUPIN should be used regularly at the same time each day. If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. This may increase the chance of getting an unwanted side effect.
If you take too much FENOFIBRATE LUPIN
If you think that you have used too much FENOFIBRATE LUPIN, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
- phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling 13 11 26); or - contact your doctor; or
- go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Symptoms of an overdose may include diarrhoea and nausea.
5. What should I know while taking FENOFIBRATE LUPIN?
Things you must do
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking this medicine.
Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking this medicine.
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking this medicine. It may affect other medicines used during surgery.
Have your blood fats checked when requested by your doctor to make sure Fenofibrate Lupin is working.
Call your doctor straight away if you:
- become pregnant while taking this medicine
- start breast -feeding while taking this medicine
Things you must not do
- Do not take this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
- Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
- Do not stop taking your FENOFIBRATE LUPIN or change the dosage without checking with your doctor.
Reducing the chance of coronary heart disease
Lowering high cholesterol can help reduce your chances of having Coronary Heart Disease (CHD).
Your chances of having CHD may be increased by several other factors including high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes, excess weight, family history of CHD, being a male and being a woman who has reached menopause.
Some self-help measures suggested below may help your condition and help reduce your chances of having CHD:
- Diet - continue the healthy diet recommended by your doctor, dietitian or pharmacist.
- Weight - your doctor may advise you to lose weight if you are overweight.
- Exercise - make exercise a part of your routine - walking is good. Ask your doctor for advice before starting exercise.
- Smoking - your doctor will advise you to stop smoking.
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or dietitian about these measures and for more information.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how FENOFIBRATE LUPIN affects you.
FENOFIBRATE LUPIN may cause dizziness in some people.
Drinking alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Drinking large quantities of alcohol may increase your chance of fenofibrate causing liver problems.
Avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
Looking after your medicine
Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them.
If you take the tablets out of the pack, they may not keep well.
Keep your medicine in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Follow the instructions on the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:
- in the bathroom or near a sink; or
- in the car or on window sills.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
Less serious side effects | What to do |
Gastrointestinal System
| Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you. |
Serious side effects
Serious side effects | What to do |
Gatrointestinal System
| Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects. |
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription. This medicine is not addictive.
What FENOFIBRATE LUPIN contains
Active ingredient (main ingredient) | fenofibrate |
Other ingredients (inactive ingredients) | sucrose hypromellose sodium lauryl sulfate lactose monohydrate crospovidone polacrilin potassium colloidal anhydrous silica purified water magnesium stearate polyvinyl alcohol titanium dioxide purified talc macrogol 6000 macrogol 3350 |
This medicine contains 48 or 145 mg of fenofibrate as the active ingredient.
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What FENOFIBRATE LUPIN looks like
FENOFIBRATE LUPIN 48 mg tablets: Yellow coloured oval shaped film coated tablets debossed with "48" on one side and “FB” on the other side. AUST R 319522.
Available in boxes of 60 tablets.
FENOFIBRATE LUPIN 145 mg tablets: White to off white coloured oval shaped film coated tablets debossed with “145” on one side and "FB" on the other side. AUST R 319524.
Available in boxes of 10 (sample) or 30 tablets.
Who distributes FENOFIBRATE LUPIN
Generic Health Pty Ltd
Suite 2, Level 2,
19-23 Prospect Street
Box Hill, VIC, 3128
Australia
+61 3 9809 7900
This leaflet was prepared in August 2024.
Published by MIMS March 2025