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.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 May be Beneficial: Side effect
reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or
severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication. |
Folic acid
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
|
| May be Beneficial: Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better. |
Food
|
| Depletion or interference |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
| Adverse interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
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.
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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Learn more about the authors of Using
Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes 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. Information expires March 2005.