.
Fenofibrate is used to lower elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels when diet, exercise, and weight loss programs are ineffective. It is in a family of medications known as cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Several studies have shown that fenofibrate enhances the toxic effect of ultraviolet (UV)
radiation from the sun, which might result in side effects such as skin rashes. One controlled
study showed that taking 2 grams of vitamin C and 1,000 IU of vitamin E prior to ultraviolet
exposure dramatically blocked UV-fenofibrate damage to red blood cells.1 though
further controlled studies are needed, people taking fenofibrate should probably supplement
with vitamins C and E until more information is available.
Folic acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin
B12
Increased blood levels of homocysteine are
associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis
and heart disease. One study revealed that
fenofibrate dramatically increases blood homocysteine levels, though blood levels of vitamins
were not reduced.2 Further research is needed to determine whether supplemental
folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 might lower fenofibrate-induced elevations in
homocysteine blood levels.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Taking fenofibrate together with food dramatically increases the absorption of the
drug.3 Therefore fenofibrate should be taken with a meal.
Summary of Interactions for Fenofibrate
| Depletion or interference | None known |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | Folic acid Vitamin B12 Vitamin B6 Vitamin C Vitamin E |
| Supportive interaction | Food |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
References:
1. Eberlein-Konig B, Placzek M, Przybilla B. Phototoxic lysis of erythrocytes from humans is reduced after oral intake of ascorbic acid and d-alpha-tocopherol. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 1997;13:173–7.
2. Dierkes J, Westphal S, Luley C. Serum homocysteine increases after therapy with fenofibrate or bezafibrate. Lancet 1999;354:219–20.
3. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 476–8.
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The information presented in VitaminLore is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.