Did You Know...
New Formulations of Fenofibrate
for the
Treatment of Primary
Hypercholesterolemia
or Mixed Dyslipidemia
Volume VII, Number 5 | September/October 2004
Return to Pharmacotherapy Update Index
Abbott Laboratories has introduced a new formulation of TriCor® (fenofibrate). This new formulation is as safe and efficacious as the previous formulation, only at a lower dose. The new tablet strengths, 48- and 145-mg, will replace the 54- and 160-mg tablets, which will no longer be available. The new TriCor® formulation uses a NanoCrystalTM technology that eliminates the requirement of taking TriCor® with a meal. The cost of the TriCor® tablets, both the new and old formulations, are comparably priced (Table 1).
The initial dose of TriCor® for adults with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia is 145 mg per day. The initial dose for hypertriglyceridemia is 48 to 145 mg per day. The dose should be individualized based on patient response with a maximum dose of 145 mg per day. Therapy with TriCor® should be withdrawn if an adequate response at this dose has not been met after 2 months. TriCor® should be initiated at the lowest possible dose (48 mg/day) in elderly patients as well as in patients with impaired renal function. Doses should only be increased after a thorough review of the drug's effects on renal function and lipid levels.
Additionally, another new fenofibrate formulation, LofibraTM, has become available. LofibraTM is available as 67-, 134- and 200-mg micronized capsules. This is a branded fenofibrate product and is not AB-rated to TriCor® tablets. LofibraTM should be administered with meals. The initial dose of LofibraTM for the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed hyperlipidemia in adult patients is 200 mg per day. The initial dose for hypertriglyceridemia in adult patients is 67 to 200 mg per day. The dose should be individualized based on patient response with a maximum dose of 200 mg per day. LofibraTM should be initiated at the lowest possible dose (67 mg/day) in elderly patients as well as in patients with impaired renal function. Doses should only be increased after a thorough review of the drug's effects on renal function and lipid levels.
Table 1: Cost Comparison
| Drug | Formulary Status | Strength | Cost (AWP)/Tablet or Capsule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fenofibrate (TriCor®) | F | 48 mg | $1.14/Tablet |
| 145 mg | $3.52/Tablet | ||
| Fenofibrate (LofibraTM) | F | 67 mg | $0.86/Capsule |
| 134 mg | $1.65/Capsule | ||
| 200 mg | $2.57/Capsule |
F = Formulary
AWP = Average Wholesale Price
There are currently no recommended dose conversions between TriCor® tablets and LofibraTM capsules.