Why is Tricor prescribed?

Tricor is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty substances) in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks. Tricor is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Tricor be used?

Tricor comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Tricor exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take Tricor even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Tricor without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Tricor,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Tricor or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants (''blood thinners'') such as warfarin (Coumadin); HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (cholesterol-lowering agents) such as lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), and simvastatin (Zocor); cholestyramine (Questran); cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral); and vitamins or herbal products.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, gallbladder disease, or liver or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Tricor, call your doctor.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Tricor cause?

Although side effects from Tricor are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• gas
• headache
• stomach pain
• upset stomach
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• constipation
• fatigue
• runny nose

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• weakness
• muscle pain or tenderness
• joint pain
• rash
• infection
• flu-like symptom

What storage conditions are needed for Tricor?

Keep Tricor in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain laboratory tests to check your response to Tricor. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.