What is Lipirex?
Lipirex (Lipirex) helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (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).
Lipirex is used to treat high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels.
Lipirex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Lipirex indications
Primary Hypercholesterolemia or Mixed Dyslipidemia
Lipirex Capsules are indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet to reduce elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (total-c), Triglycerides (TG) and apolopoprotein B (Apo B), and to increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in adult patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia.
Severe Hypertriglyceridemia
Lipirex Capsules are also indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for treatment of adult patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Improving glycemic control in diabetic patients showing fasting chylomicronemia will usually obviate the need for pharmacologic intervention.
Markedly elevated levels of serum triglycerides (e.g. > 2,000 mg/dL) may increase the risk of developing pancreatitis. The effect of Lipirex therapy on reducing this risk has not been adequately studied.
Important Limitations of Use
Lipirex at a dose equivalent to 150 mg was not shown to reduce coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality in 2 large, randomized controlled trials of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
How should I use Lipirex?
Use Lipirex capsules as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Some brands of Lipirex capsules should be taken with food. Some brands may be taken with or without food. Ask your pharmacist if you should take your brand of Lipirex capsules with food.
- Swallow Lipirex capsules whole. Do not open, crush, dissolve, or chew before swallowing. If you cannot swallow Lipirex capsules whole, tell your doctor. You may need a different medicine.
- Take Lipirex capsules with a full glass of water (8 oz [240 mL]).
- If you also take a bile acid-binding resin (eg, cholestyramine), do not take it within 4 to 6 hours before or 1 hour after taking Lipirex capsules. Check with your doctor if you have any questions.
- Take Lipirex capsules on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
- Taking Lipirex capsules at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
- Continue to take Lipirex capsules even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- If you miss a dose of Lipirex capsules, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lipirex capsules.
Uses of Lipirex in details
Use: Labeled Indications
Hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia: Adjunctive therapy to diet for the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (total-C), triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B (apo B), and to increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson types IIa and IIb). Use lipid-altering agents in addition to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol when response to diet and nonpharmacological interventions alone has been inadequate.
Note: While FDA-approved for hypercholesterolemia, Lipirex is not a first- or second-line choice; other agents may be more suitable (ACC/AHA [Stone 2013]). In addition, use is not recommended to lower LDL-C or raise HDL-C in the absence of hypertriglyceridemia.
Hypertriglyceridemia: Adjunctive therapy to diet for treatment of adult patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (Fredrickson types IV and V hyperlipidemia).
Off Label Uses
Primary biliary cholangitis
Data from a single-center, retrospective cohort study support the use of Lipirex (in combination with ursodiol) in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) who have had an incomplete biochemical response to ursodiol monotherapy and showed significant improvement in alkaline phosphatase, a reduction in hepatic decompensation, and transplant-free survival improvement.
Lipirex description
Each film-coated tablet contains Fenofibrate BP 160 mg. It also contains the following excipients: Pregelatinized starch maize, povidone, sodium lauryl sulphate, microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, anhydrous colloidal silica, sodium stearyl fumarate, purified water and opadry AMB OY-B-28920.
Lipirex is a lipid-regulating agent. The empirical formula is C20H21O4Cl and the molecular weight is 360.83. Lipirex is 2-[4-(4-chlorobenzoyl) phenoxy]-2-methyl-propanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester.
Lipirex dosage
Lipirex Dosage
Generic name: Lipirex 160mg
Dosage form: tablet
The information at Drugs.com is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
The dose of Lipirex is 160 mg once daily.
Patients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving Lipirex and should continue this diet during treatment with Lipirex.
Lipid levels should be monitored periodically. Therapy should be withdrawn in patients who do not have an adequate response after two months of treatment.
Lipirex tablets can be given without regard to meals. Patients should be advised to swallow Lipirex tablets whole. Do not crush, break, dissolve, or chew tablets.
More about Lipirex (Lipirex)
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Consumer resources
- Lipirex
- Lipirex (Advanced Reading)
- Other brands: Lipirex, Lofibra, Lipofen, Lipirex, More (1) »
Professional resources
- Lipirex (FDA)
- Fenofibric Acid/Lipirex (AHFS Monograph)
Related treatment guides
- Hyperlipoproteinemia
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa, Elevated LDL
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIb, Elevated LDL VLDL
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IV, Elevated VLDL
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type V, Elevated Chylomicrons VLDL
- More (1) »
Lipirex interactions
See also:
What other drugs will affect Lipirex?
Coumarin Anticoagulants
Potentiation of coumarin-type anticoagulant effect has been observed with prolongation of the PT/INR.
Caution should be exercised when Lipirex is given in conjunction with coumarin anticoagulants. Lipirex may potentiate the anticoagulant effect of these agents resulting in prolongation of the PT/INR. To prevent bleeding complications, frequent monitoring of PT/INR and dose adjustment of the oral anticoagulant as recommended until the PT/INR has stabilized.
Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressant agents such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus can impair renal function and because renal excretion is the primary elimination route of fibrate drugs including Lipirex capsules, there is a risk that an interaction will lead to deterioration of renal function. When immunosuppressants and other potentially nephrotoxic agents are co-administered with Lipirex capsules, the lowest effective dose of Lipirex capsules should be employed and renal function should be monitored.
Bile-Acid Binding Resins
Since bile-acid binding resins may bind other drugs given concurrently, patients should take Lipirex at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after a bile acid binding resin to avoid impeding its absorption.
Colchicine
Cases of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, have been reported with fenofibrates co-administered with colchicine, and caution should be exercised when prescribing Lipirex with colchicine.
Lipirex side effects
See also:
What are the possible side effects of Lipirex?
Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Fenofibric acid is the active metabolite of Lipirex. Adverse events reported by 2% or more of patients treated with Lipirex and greater than placebo during double-blind, placebocontrolled trials are listed in Table 1. Adverse events led to discontinuation of treatment in 5.0% of patients treated with Lipirex and in 3.0% treated with placebo. Increases in liver tests were the most frequent events, causing discontinuation of Lipirex treatment in 1.6% of patients in double-blind trials.
Table 1: Adverse Events Reported by 2% or More of Patients Treated with Lipirex and Greater than Placebo During the Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials
| BODY SYSTEM Adverse Event | Lipirex* (N = 439) | Placebo (N = 365) |
| BODY AS A WHOLE | ||
| Abdominal Pain | 4.6% | 4.4% |
| Back Pain | 3.4% | 2.5% |
| Headache | 3.2% | 2.7% |
| DIGESTIVE | ||
| Nausea | 2.3% | 1.9% |
| Constipation | 2.1% | 1.4% |
| INVESTIGATIONS | ||
| Abnormal Liver Tests | 7.5% | 1.4% |
| Increased AST | 3.4% | 0.5% |
| Increased ALT | 3.0% | 1.6% |
| Increased Creatine Phosphokinase | 3.0% | 1.4% |
| RESPIRATORY | ||
| Respiratory Disorder | 6.2% | 5.5% |
| Rhinitis | 2.3% | 1.1% |
| * Dosage equivalent to 135 mg Lipirex |
Clinical trials with Lipirex did not include a placebo-control arm. However, the adverse event profile of Lipirex was generally consistent with that of Lipirex. The following adverse events not listed above were reported in ≥ 3% of patients taking Lipirex alone:
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diarrhea, dyspepsia
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Pain
Infections and Infestations: Nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Arthralgia, myalgia, pain in extremity
Nervous System Disorders: Dizzinesss
Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse events have been identified during postapproval use of Lipirex: rhabdomyolysis, pancreatitis, renal failure, muscle spasms, acute renal failure, hepatitis, cirrhosis, anemia, asthenia, and severely depressed HDL-cholesterol levels.
Because these events are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Lipirex contraindications
See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Lipirex?
Hypersensitivity to Lipirex or fenofibric acid or to any of the excipients of Lipirex.
Severe renal impairment/insufficiency, including those receiving dialysis.
Active liver disease/dysfunction/insufficiency, including those with primary biliary cirrhosis and unexplained persistent liver function abnormalities eg, persistent elevations in serum transaminases. Pre-existing gallbladder disease.
Photoallergy or phototoxic reaction during treatment with fibrates or ketoprofen.
Chronic or acute pancreatitis with the exception of acute pancreatitis due to severe hypertriglyceridemia.
Lipirex contains lecithin soya as an excipient and therefore, Lipirex should not be taken with allergic to peanut or arachis oil or soya lecithin, or related products due to the risk of hypersensitivity reactions.
Use in lactation: Lipirex should not be used in nursing mothers. Because of the potential for tumorigenicity seen in animal studies, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue Lipirex, taking into account the importance of Lipirex to the mother. There are no data on the excretion of Lipirex and/or its metabolites into breast milk.
Use in children: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients aged <18 years have not been established.
Active ingredient matches for Lipirex:
Fenofibrate in Czech Republic.
| Unit description / dosage (Manufacturer) | Price, USD |
| Capsule; Oral; Fenofibrate 200 mg | |
| Capsule; Oral; Fenofibrate 67 mg | |
List of Lipirex substitutes (brand and generic names): | |
| LIPIREG | |
| Lipireg 160mg Tablet (Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd) | $ 0.08 |
| Lipivim (Romania) | |
| Lipo Plus (Argentina) | |
| Lipo Plus C (Argentina) | |
| Lipo Red (Spain) | |
| Lipoclar (Italy) | |
| Lipofen (Portugal, Turkey, United States) | |
| Capsule; Oral; Fenofibrate 100 mg (Nobel) | |
| Capsule; Oral; Fenofibrate 150 mg (Nobel) | |
| Capsule; Oral; Fenofibrate 50 mg (Nobel) | |
| 30 capsule in 1 bottle, plastic (Nobel) | |
| 90 capsule in 1 bottle, plastic (Nobel) | |
| Lipofen capsule 150 mg/1 (Nobel) | |
| Lipofen capsule 50 mg/1 (Nobel) | |
| LIPOFEN SR | |
| Lipofen-SR (Turkey) | |
| Lipofene (Italy) | |
| Lipofib (Romania) | |
| Lipohexal (Czech Republic) | |
| Lipolex (Egypt) | |
| Lipomax 105 (Argentina) | |
| Lipomax 35 (Argentina) | |
| Lipomin 100 | |
| Lipomin 300 | |
| Lipoplasmin (Argentina) | |
| Lipoprothyl (Taiwan) | |
| Lipoprothyl 160 mg | |
| Liposyr 100 | |
| Liposyr 300 | |
| Lipothin (Thailand) | |
| Lipothin 200 200 mg x 3 x 10's | |
| Lipozor 250 | |
| Lipsin (Austria, Italy) | |
| Capsule; Oral; Fenofibrate 100 mg (Aventis) | |
| Lipsin retard (Austria) | |
| Capsule; Oral; Fenofibrate 250 mg | |
| Liptuin (Argentina) | |
| Lipway (Philippines) | |
| Lipway SR 250 mg x 30's (Cathay) | $ 22.00 |
| Lipway SR (Philippines) | |
| Lipway SR MR cap 250 mg 30's (Cathay Drug) | $ 23.15 |
| Livesan (France) | |
| Lofat (Bangladesh) | |
| Lofibra | |
| 100 capsule in 1 bottle (Pharos) | |
| Lofibra 250 mg x 3 x 10's (Pharos) | $ 25.30 |
| Lofibra 200 mg x 50's (Pharos) | $ 22.02 |
| Lofibra capsule 200 mg/1 (Pharos) | |
| Lofibra tablet, film coated 54 mg/1 (Pharos) | |
| Lofibra capsule 67 mg/1 (Pharos) | |
See 1102 substitutes for Lipirex | |
References
- DailyMed. "FENOFIBRATE: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailyme... (accessed September 17, 2018).
- PubChem. "fenofibrate". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/com... (accessed September 17, 2018).
- DrugBank. "fenofibrate". http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB01039 (accessed September 17, 2018).
Reviews
The results of a survey conducted on ndrugs.com for Lipirex are given in detail below. The results of the survey conducted are based on the impressions and views of the website users and consumers taking Lipirex. We implore you to kindly base your medical condition or therapeutic choices on the result or test conducted by a physician or licensed medical practitioners.User reports
1 consumer reported useful
Was the Lipirex drug useful in terms of decreasing the symptom or the disease?According to the reports released by ndrugs.com website users, the below mentioned percentages of users say the drug is useful / not useful to them in decreasing their symptoms/disease. The usefulness of the drug depends on many factors, like severity of the disease, perception of symptom, or disease by the patient, brand name used [matters only to a certain extent], other associated conditions of the patient. If the drug is not effective or useful in your case, you need to meet the doctor to get re-evaluated about your symptoms/disease, and he will prescribe an alternative drug.
| Users | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Useful | 1 | 100.0% | |
1 consumer reported price estimates
Was the price you paid to purchase the drug reasonable? Did you feel it was expensive?The below mentioned numbers have been reported by ndrugs.com website users about whether the Lipirex drug is expensive or inexpensive. There is a mixed opinion among users. The rating about the cost of the drug depends on factors like which brand drug the patient purchased, how effective it was for the price paid, the country or place the drug is marketed, and the economic condition of the patient. The users who feel the drug is expensive can look for an alternative brand drug or a generic drug to save the cost.
| Users | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Not expensive | 1 | 100.0% | |
2 consumers reported time for results
To what extent do I have to use Lipirex before I begin to see changes in my health conditions?As part of the reports released by ndrugs.com website users, it takes > 3 month and a few days before you notice an improvement in your health conditions.
Please note, it doesn't mean you will start to notice such health improvement in the same time frame as other users. There are many factors to consider, and we implore you to visit your doctor to know how long before you can see improvements in your health while taking Lipirex. To get the time effectiveness of using Lipirex drug by other patients, please click here.
| Users | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| > 3 month | 1 | 50.0% | |
| 3 month | 1 | 50.0% | |
8 consumers reported age
| Users | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 46-60 | 4 | 50.0% | |
| > 60 | 3 | 37.5% | |
| 30-45 | 1 | 12.5% | |
Consumer reviews
There are no reviews yet. Be the first to write one! |
Information checked by Dr. Sachin Kumar, MD Pharmacology
