Atorvastatin + Fenofibrate

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Brand Name

Remetor 10 Tablet 10s , Fibator 5mg Tablet ... show more

Approved Treatment Indication:

Coronary Artery Disease, Hypercholesterolemia ... show more

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This medicine contains a combination of 2 drugs Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate.
Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate are both used to treat the same disease or symptom but work in different ways in the body.
Most doctors will advise making sure that each individual medicine is safe and effective before using a combination form.

Summary

What conditions are Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate used for?
Atorvastatin is used to lower levels of LDL cholesterol, which is often called "bad cholesterol," and total cholesterol in the blood. It is also used to prevent cardiovascular events, like heart attacks, in people with risk factors such as diabetes or existing heart disease. Fenofibrate is primarily used to treat high triglyceride levels, which are a type of fat in the blood, and to increase HDL cholesterol, which is known as "good cholesterol." Both medications help manage lipid levels in the blood to reduce the risk of heart disease, but they target different aspects of cholesterol and fat management.
How do Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate work in the body?
Atorvastatin works by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver. This leads to a decrease in LDL cholesterol and an increase in the removal of LDL from the bloodstream. Fenofibrate works by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which help break down and remove triglyceride-rich particles from the blood and increase HDL cholesterol. While both medications aim to improve lipid profiles, they do so through different mechanisms, making them complementary in managing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
What are the usual dosages and routes of administration for Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate?
Atorvastatin is usually taken orally, with a starting dose of 10 mg to 20 mg once daily, and can be increased up to 80 mg depending on the patient's cholesterol levels and response to treatment. Fenofibrate is also taken orally, with a typical adult daily dose of 160 mg once daily, although this can vary based on the specific product and patient needs. Both medications should be taken consistently at the same time each day, and it's important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions without adjusting the dose on your own.
What are the most commonly observed adverse effects of Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate?
Common side effects of Atorvastatin include diarrhea, joint pain, and muscle pain. Fenofibrate may cause gastrointestinal issues like constipation and diarrhea, as well as headache and joint pain. Both medications can lead to more serious side effects, such as muscle pain or weakness, which may indicate a condition called rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious muscle breakdown. Liver function abnormalities are also a concern with both medications, so regular monitoring of liver enzymes is necessary. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.
What are the important safety warnings and contraindications of Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate?
Both Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate carry warnings about the risk of muscle damage, including rhabdomyolysis, especially when used together or with other medications that affect muscle health. They are contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent liver enzyme elevations. Atorvastatin is also contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential harm to the fetus or infant. Fenofibrate is not recommended during breastfeeding. Patients should be aware of the signs of liver damage and muscle pain and report these to their healthcare provider promptly. Regular monitoring of liver function and muscle enzymes is recommended.

Government Approvals

None

WHO Essential Medicine

Known Teratogen

Pharmaceutical Class

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor and Peroxisome Proliferator Receptor alpha Agonist

Controlled Drug Substance

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Summary

What conditions are Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate used for?
Atorvastatin is used to lower levels of LDL cholesterol, which is often called "bad cholesterol," and total cholesterol in the blood. It is also used to prevent cardiovascular events, like heart attacks, in people with risk factors such as diabetes or existing heart disease. Fenofibrate is primarily used to treat high triglyceride levels, which are a type of fat in the blood, and to increase HDL cholesterol, which is known as "good cholesterol." Both medications help manage lipid levels in the blood to reduce the risk of heart disease, but they target different aspects of cholesterol and fat management.
How do Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate work in the body?
Atorvastatin works by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver. This leads to a decrease in LDL cholesterol and an increase in the removal of LDL from the bloodstream. Fenofibrate works by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which help break down and remove triglyceride-rich particles from the blood and increase HDL cholesterol. While both medications aim to improve lipid profiles, they do so through different mechanisms, making them complementary in managing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
What are the usual dosages and routes of administration for Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate?
Atorvastatin is usually taken orally, with a starting dose of 10 mg to 20 mg once daily, and can be increased up to 80 mg depending on the patient's cholesterol levels and response to treatment. Fenofibrate is also taken orally, with a typical adult daily dose of 160 mg once daily, although this can vary based on the specific product and patient needs. Both medications should be taken consistently at the same time each day, and it's important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions without adjusting the dose on your own.
What are the most commonly observed adverse effects of Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate?
Common side effects of Atorvastatin include diarrhea, joint pain, and muscle pain. Fenofibrate may cause gastrointestinal issues like constipation and diarrhea, as well as headache and joint pain. Both medications can lead to more serious side effects, such as muscle pain or weakness, which may indicate a condition called rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious muscle breakdown. Liver function abnormalities are also a concern with both medications, so regular monitoring of liver enzymes is necessary. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.
What are the important safety warnings and contraindications of Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate?
Both Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate carry warnings about the risk of muscle damage, including rhabdomyolysis, especially when used together or with other medications that affect muscle health. They are contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent liver enzyme elevations. Atorvastatin is also contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential harm to the fetus or infant. Fenofibrate is not recommended during breastfeeding. Patients should be aware of the signs of liver damage and muscle pain and report these to their healthcare provider promptly. Regular monitoring of liver function and muscle enzymes is recommended.

Indications and Purpose

What is combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin used for?

Fenofibrate is primarily indicated for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia and mixed dyslipidemia, where it helps reduce triglyceride levels and increase HDL cholesterol. Atorvastatin is used to lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in conditions like primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia, and it is also indicated for the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with risk factors such as diabetes or existing heart disease. Both medications are used to manage lipid levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, but they target different aspects of lipid metabolism.

How does combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin work?

Fenofibrate works by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which increase the breakdown and removal of triglyceride-rich particles from the blood, while also increasing HDL cholesterol. Atorvastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis in the liver, leading to decreased production of LDL cholesterol and increased clearance from the bloodstream. Both medications aim to improve lipid profiles, but they do so through different mechanisms, making them complementary in managing dyslipidemia.

How effective is combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin?

Clinical trials and studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of both fenofibrate and atorvastatin in improving lipid profiles. Fenofibrate has been shown to significantly reduce triglyceride levels and increase HDL cholesterol, particularly in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Atorvastatin has been proven to lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with high cholesterol and those at risk of heart disease. Both medications have been extensively studied and are widely used in clinical practice, with evidence supporting their role in managing dyslipidemia and reducing cardiovascular risk.

How does one know if combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin is working?

The benefits of fenofibrate and atorvastatin are primarily assessed through regular blood tests that measure lipid levels, including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. For fenofibrate, the focus is often on reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL, while atorvastatin is assessed by its ability to lower LDL and total cholesterol. Both medications aim to improve overall lipid profiles, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are crucial to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Directions for Use

What is the usual dose of combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin?

The usual adult daily dose for fenofibrate is typically 160 mg once daily, although it can vary based on the specific product and patient needs. For atorvastatin, the starting dose is often 10 mg to 20 mg once daily, with a range up to 80 mg depending on the patient's cholesterol levels and response to treatment. Both medications are taken orally and can be adjusted based on the patient's response and tolerance. It's important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions and not to adjust the dose without consultation.

How does one take combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin?

Fenofibrate should be taken with a meal to enhance absorption, while atorvastatin can be taken with or without food. Patients taking atorvastatin should avoid consuming large amounts of grapefruit juice, as it can increase the risk of side effects. Both medications should be taken at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels. It's important to follow a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and adhere to any additional dietary recommendations provided by a healthcare provider to maximize the effectiveness of these medications.

For how long is combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin taken?

Both fenofibrate and atorvastatin are typically used as long-term treatments to manage cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They are often prescribed for continuous use to maintain their beneficial effects on lipid levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to assess effectiveness and adjust dosages as needed. Discontinuation should only occur under medical advice, as stopping these medications can lead to a rebound in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

How long does it take for combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin to work?

Fenofibrate and atorvastatin both work to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but they do so in different ways. Atorvastatin, a statin, typically begins to lower cholesterol levels within 2 weeks, with maximum effects seen in about 4 weeks. Fenofibrate, on the other hand, may take a few weeks to show its full effect on triglyceride levels. Both medications require consistent use and adherence to a prescribed diet to achieve optimal results. The combination of these medications can provide a more comprehensive approach to managing lipid levels, but individual response times may vary.

How does one store combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin?

Neither fenofibrate nor atorvastatin requires refrigeration. Both medications should be stored at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture, and kept in their original containers with the lids tightly closed. It's important to keep these medications out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. Proper storage ensures the medications maintain their effectiveness throughout their shelf life.

Warnings and Precautions

Are there harms and risks from taking combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin?

Common side effects of fenofibrate include gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and diarrhea, as well as headache and joint pain. Atorvastatin may cause side effects like diarrhea, joint pain, and muscle pain. Both medications can lead to more serious adverse effects, such as muscle pain or weakness, which may indicate a condition called rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious muscle breakdown. Liver function abnormalities are also a concern with both medications, necessitating regular monitoring of liver enzymes. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.

Can I take combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin with other prescription drugs?

Fenofibrate and atorvastatin have several significant drug interactions. Fenofibrate can interact with anticoagulants like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding, and should be used cautiously with other cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins due to the risk of muscle damage. Atorvastatin interacts with drugs that inhibit CYP3A4, such as certain antibiotics and antifungals, which can increase atorvastatin levels and the risk of side effects. Both medications require careful monitoring when used with other drugs that affect liver function or muscle health.

Can I take combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin with vitamins or supplements?

Fenofibrate and atorvastatin can interact with certain vitamins and supplements, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. For instance, niacin, a vitamin B3 supplement, can increase the risk of muscle-related side effects when taken with atorvastatin. Patients should also be cautious with supplements that affect liver function, as both medications can impact liver health. It's important to discuss all supplements and vitamins with a healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions and ensure safe use of these medications.

Can I take combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin if I am pregnant?

Atorvastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal harm, as it affects cholesterol synthesis, which is crucial for fetal development. Fenofibrate should also be avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, as there is limited data on its safety in pregnant women. Both medications should be discontinued if pregnancy is planned or confirmed, and alternative treatments should be considered to manage lipid levels during pregnancy.

Can I take combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin while breastfeeding?

Atorvastatin is contraindicated during breastfeeding because it can pass into breast milk and may harm the nursing infant. Fenofibrate is also not recommended during breastfeeding due to the potential for adverse effects on the infant, as it can affect lipid metabolism. Women who are breastfeeding should discuss alternative treatments with their healthcare provider to manage cholesterol levels safely without risking infant health.

Who should avoid taking combination of Fenofibrate and Atorvastatin?

Both fenofibrate and atorvastatin carry warnings about the risk of muscle damage, including rhabdomyolysis, especially when used together or with other medications that affect muscle health. They are contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent liver enzyme elevations. Atorvastatin is also contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential harm to the fetus or infant. Patients should be aware of the signs of liver damage and muscle pain and report these to their healthcare provider promptly. Regular monitoring of liver function and muscle enzymes is recommended.