Tricor and its other brand name Lofibra are used to treat people with a high level of triglycerides and will help to improve cholesterol levels by lowering their total cholesterol. It will raise their high density lipoprotein (HDL) and lower their low density lipoprotein (LDL).

You will be prescribed Tricor if diet, exercise and weight loss haven’t proven effective to lower your cholesterol. Your doctor will put you on a special diet when you begin using Tricor. Combining Tricor along with a healthy diet plan and exercise routine will increase your chances of lowering your cholesterol. Tricor is not a substitute for maintaining a proper diet and exercise plan.

Taking Tricor with other forms of cholesterol-lowering medication may result in a muscle-wasting disease known as rhabdomyolysis. Other forms of cholesterol-lowering medications that you should not combine with Tricor are Zocor, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol and Altocor. Your doctor will prescribe Tricor along with the other medications only if he feels that it is absolutely necessary. If you experience fatigue or fever while taking any combinations of Tricor or other cholesterol-lowering drugs you will be taken off Tricor.

Take Tricor with something to eat. Should you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you remember. If, by chance, you remember to take it shortly before your next scheduled dosage, skip the one you missed and continue on with your schedule. Never take more than one Tricor at a time.

Some side effects may occur while taking Tricor. Side affects may include back pain, constipation, diarrhea, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, runny nose or respiratory disorders. If you experience any side effects, including ones not listed, inform your doctor, and he will decide if he wants to keep you on Tricor.

If you have kidney problems, liver disease, or gallbladder disease then Tricor will not be prescribed for you. Be sure to let your doctor know immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to Tricor. Tricor may cause gallstones. If gallstones are diagnosed then your doctor will take you off of Tricor.

While Tricor has not been tested on humans, it has been tested on animals and it has proven to be harmful to pregnant animals. Make certain to let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan to conceive while being on Tricor. If it is necessary for you to be on Tricor, then you will not be able to breastfeed.

Be sure to store Tricor at room temperature and keep it away from moisture.

Tricor is not recommended for children.