Clofibrate is used to lower high levels of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the blood. Clofibrate is
especially good at lowering triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (a form of
cholesterol).
Clofibrate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clofibrate?
Do not take clofibrate if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or biliary cirrhosis.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism),
diabetes, or
an ulcer in your stomach or intestines.
You may not be able to take clofibrate, or you may require a lower dose
or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Clofibrate may be passed into the system of an unborn baby. Clofibrate can build up
dangerously in unborn babies, who do not yet have the ability to break down and pass this drug from
the body. Do not take clofibrate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Clofibrate passes into breast milk. Since babies do not yet have the ability to break down
this drug, a dangerous buildup could occur. Do not take clofibrate without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take clofibrate?
Take clofibrate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Clofibrate can be taken with food to lessen stomach upset.
Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules. Swallow them whole.
Clofibrate is usually taken several times a day. Follow the directions your doctor has given
to you.
Store clofibrate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of clofibrate?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
take a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about clofibrate?
Your pharmacist has information about clofibrate written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of clofibrate?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking clofibrate and
seek emergency medical attention:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
chest pain or an irregular heart beat;
severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting;
fever and chills, a sore throat, or a flu-like feeling;
blood in your urine or a decrease in urination;
swelling of your ankles or legs;
muscle cramps, muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle
pain;
joint pain; or
sudden weight gain.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take clofibrate and talk to your doctor if you experience
bloating or flatulence;
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
headache;
dizziness or drowsiness; or
impotence.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about clofibrate?
Follow any diet or exercise plan outlined by your doctor. Diet and exercise are very
important factors in controlling cholesterol.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, an irregular
heartbeat, severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, fever and chills, a sore throat, a flulike
feeling, blood in your urine, a decrease in urination, muscle cramps, muscle pain, muscle weakness,
painful joints, swelling in your ankles or legs, or sudden weight gain. These could be early signs of
serious side effects.
What should I avoid while taking clofibrate?
Follow any diet or exercise plan outlined by your doctor. Diet and exercise are very
important factors in controlling cholesterol.
What other drugs will affect clofibrate?
Clofibrate may increase the effects of the following drugs, which could lead to dangerous
side effects:
anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin); and
insulin or oral medications used to treat diabetes such as
glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), tolbutamide (Orinase) or
tolazamide (Tolinase).
Clofibrate is generally not recommended for use with other
cholesterol-lowering drugs such as lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin
(Pravachol), atorvastatin (Lipitor), and gemfibrozil (Lopid). A serious reaction involving the
muscles and kidneys may occur if these drugs are taken together and can result in death.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with clofibrate. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009