What Is Fenofibrate? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Fenofibrate is a prescription medication used to treat high triglycerides and high cholesterol. It has been available in the United States since the 1990s and is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for lipid disorders. This guide covers everything you need to know about fenofibrate as a patient in 2026 — from what it treats to how to take it safely.

What Is Fenofibrate Used For?

Fenofibrate is FDA-approved to treat adults with:

• Severe hypertriglyceridemia — dangerously high blood triglyceride levels (often 500 mg/dL or above) that increase the risk of pancreatitis. Fenofibrate can lower triglycerides by 30-50%.
• Primary hypercholesterolemia — elevated LDL ('bad' cholesterol), especially when recommended first-line LDL-lowering treatments cannot be used.
• Mixed dyslipidemia — a combination of elevated LDL, elevated triglycerides, and low HDL ('good' cholesterol). Fenofibrate helps by raising HDL by 10-20% and lowering triglycerides and LDL.

It is also used off-label for gout (due to its uric acid-lowering properties) and diabetic retinopathy (to slow disease progression).

An important note for 2026: The FDA updated fenofibrate's labeling in October 2025 to clarify that it has not been shown to reduce cardiovascular events (heart attacks, strokes) or cardiovascular death in large clinical trials. This does not mean fenofibrate is no longer useful — it means it is best used for its proven benefits: lowering triglycerides and LDL, not as a cardiovascular risk reducer.

Brand Names and Generic Forms

Fenofibrate is a generic drug. The brand names you may have seen include:

• Tricor — tablets (48 mg, 145 mg); one of the most recognized names
• Antara — capsules (43 mg, 130 mg); can be taken with or without food
• Lipofen — capsules (50 mg, 150 mg); must be taken with a meal
• Fenoglide — tablets (40 mg, 120 mg); must be taken with a meal
• Triglide — tablets (160 mg); can be taken with or without food; do not use chipped or broken tablets
• Lofibra — micronized capsules or tablets (54 mg, 67 mg, 134 mg, 160 mg, 200 mg); must be taken with a meal

Fenofibrate Dosage: How Much and How Often?

Fenofibrate is taken once daily. Your exact dose depends on the formulation prescribed and your condition:

• Tricor: 48 mg to 145 mg once daily
• Lofibra (and other micronized generics): 54 mg to 200 mg once daily with food
• Antara: 130 mg once daily
• Lipofen: 150 mg once daily with food
• Fenoglide: 120 mg once daily with food

Your doctor will typically start you at a standard dose and adjust based on your lab results at the 2-month mark. If your triglycerides and LDL levels have not improved after 2 months of treatment, your doctor may reconsider whether fenofibrate is the right drug for you.

How to Take Fenofibrate Correctly

• Take it at the same time every day to maintain consistent drug levels
• Swallow tablets and capsules whole — do not crush, chew, or break them
• With or without food depends on your brand — Fenoglide, Lipofen, and Lofibra must be taken with a meal; Antara, Tricor, and Triglide can be taken with or without food
• Do not skip doses — fenofibrate requires consistent use to maintain its effectiveness
• Follow a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet — fenofibrate works best alongside dietary changes

Who Should NOT Take Fenofibrate?

Fenofibrate is contraindicated (not safe) in patients with:

• Severe kidney disease (eGFR < 30 mL/min) or dialysis
• Active liver disease
• Gallbladder disease
• Breastfeeding (and at least 5 days after stopping)
• Allergy to fenofibrate or any fibrate medication

For a full review of side effects and drug interactions, see our dedicated guides on fenofibrate side effects and fenofibrate drug interactions.