Lipway/Lipway SR (fenofibrate)

Lipway and Lipway SR are brand names of the drug fenofibrate. Fenofibrate is approved to treat hyperlipidemias (high blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels). This drug requires a doctor’s prescription, so it cannot be purchased over-the-counter (OTC).

Uses

What is Lipway used for?

Fenofibrate is part of a class of drugs known as lipid-lowering agents, specifically a fibrate. Together with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, fibrates help to lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol levels while improving high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol levels. This results in lowering the risk or formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which can cause hypertension and embolisms.

Lipway is mainly indicated to treat the following conditions:

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How should I take Lipway?

Lipway is available as oral tablets and capsules. The tablet or capsule should be taken by mouth without chewing, crushing, or opening it. The tablet or capsule should be taken with meals.

How do I store fenofibrate?

This drug should be stored at room temperature (<30°C) and be protected from light and moisture. Always check the label before using this product. For safety, keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Do not use if the printed expiration date has passed, the product seal has been broken, or the product has changed in color, odor, or consistency.

Do not dispose of this product by pouring it down the drain, toilet, or into the environment. Ask your pharmacist regarding the proper way and location of disposal.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Lipway?

Lipid-lowering agents, including fenofibrate, can increase the risk of muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue. People also taking statins and certain antibiotics have a higher risk of experiencing these symptoms.

Before using this medication, inform your doctor if you are/have:

• Ever had an allergic reaction to fenofibrate or other lipid-lowering agents
• A history of allergy to other medications, food, or other substances
• Taking other medications, especially other lipid-lowering agents
• Underlying health conditions
• Pregnant or breastfeeding

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

This drug is a pregnancy category C drug. There is insufficient evidence from human studies that shows it can cause fetal harm when taken during pregnancy. Therefore, only use this drug during pregnancy if your doctor approves of it.

This drug may be excreted in breastmilk. So, this drug should be used while breastfeeding only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the child, as determined by your doctor.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Lipway?

All drugs have the potential to elicit side effects even with normal use. People taking higher doses tend to experience more side effects. After reducing the dose or completing treatment, these side effects usually disappear.

Potential side effects while using this drug include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Myopathy
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Rash
• Photosensitivity

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these serious, potentially fatal drug reactions:

• Hypersensitivity reaction
• Rhabdomyolysis

You may experience some, none, or other side effects not mentioned above. If you have any concerns about a side effect or it becomes bothersome, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Lipway?

This drug may interact with other medications. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and inform your doctor and pharmacist.

Known drugs and their interactions with fenofibrate include:

• Colchicine, statins, and other fibrates
  • Increased risk for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis
• Ciclosporin
  • Increased risk of nephrotoxicity

If you experience an adverse drug interaction, stop taking this drug and continue taking your other medication. Inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Your doctor may reduce the dose, substitute the drug, or stop the treatment.

Does food or alcohol interact with Lipway?

Take this medication with food to improve absorption and efficacy. In addition, do not take this drug with alcohol because it increases the risk of liver damage.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns regarding food-drug interactions.

What health conditions may interact with Lipway?

Take this drug with caution if you have any of the following conditions or risk factors:

• Severe renal impairment
• Active liver disease
• Gallbladder disease
• Pancreatitis

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns regarding specific health conditions.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication.

What is the dose for an adult?

For the management of primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia

For the management of elevated serum triglyceride levels

• Initially: take 54-160 mg per day.
• Maintenance: adjust the dose at intervals of 4 to 8 weeks.
• Maximum daily dose: 160 mg.
• If you are taking the Lipway-SR capsule, limit intake to 1 capsule per day.

What is the dose for a child?

Unfortunately, the recommended dosage and use of this drug in children have not been established. So, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for alternatives or more information.

How is Lipway available?

This drug is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Lipway tablet 160 mg
• Lipway-SR capsule 250 mg

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of this drug, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.