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
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 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 In one study, supplementation with 10 mg per
day of folic acid prevented the increase in homocysteine levels resulting from fenofibrate
therapy.3 Further research is needed to determine whether supplemental
vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, which are also capable of lowering homocysteine levels, might
lower fenofibrate-induced elevations in homocysteine levels.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Taking fenofibrate together with food dramatically increases the absorption of the
drug.4 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. Mayer O Jr, Simon J, Holubec L, et al. Fenofibrate-induced
hyperhomocysteinemia may be prevented by folate co-administration. Eur J Clin
Pharmacol 2003;59:367–71.
4. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale,
NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 476–8.