Fenofibrate (Tricor and other formulations)
Fenofibrate is used primarily for high triglycerides and mixed lipid disorders. In elevated-LDL trials, fenofibrate lowered LDL cholesterol by 20.6% from baseline, but LDL can rise when very high triglycerides fall. Study results
How much does fenofibrate lower LDL cholesterol?
Fenofibrate lowered LDL cholesterol by an average of 20.6% from baseline in three- to six-month trials of patients with elevated LDL, compared with 2.2% on placebo. Read the evidence.
| Dose and treatment context | LDL result |
|---|---|
| Elevated-LDL trials, 3–6 months | 20.6% from baseline |
This is not a reliable LDL estimate for severe hypertriglyceridemia. In that setting, conversion of triglyceride-rich particles can increase measured LDL as triglycerides improve.
Individual responses vary. LDL and ApoB measure different things; these LDL percentages should not be used as ApoB estimates. Compare ApoB-lowering treatments.
How is fenofibrate taken?
Fenofibrate is usually taken once daily. Formulations have different strengths, food requirements, and bioavailability; a 145 mg tablet is not automatically interchangeable with a 160 mg tablet. Kidney function affects dosing, and severe renal impairment is a contraindication. Prescribing information.
How does fenofibrate compare with other medications?
For LDL lowering alone, Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, or Ezetimibe usually provide a more direct treatment path. Fenofibrate is considered when triglycerides are the main problem; it is not simply a weaker statin.
Which medications can be combined with fenofibrate?
Fenofibrate is sometimes combined with a statin for a separate triglyceride indication, but muscle-injury risk increases, particularly with kidney disease. Anticoagulants such as warfarin require close monitoring. Do not combine fibrates casually.
How much does fenofibrate cost?
Cost Plus Drugs lists fenofibrate 145mg, 30 tablets, at $7.56 before shipping ($12.81 with standard shipping). Prices were checked October 6, 2026; the quantity is not necessarily a month’s supply.
Cost Plus Drugs
Fenofibrate 145mg, 30 tablets: $7.56 including the dispensing fee, or $12.81 with standard shipping.
GoodRx
Compare local coupon prices for the same 145mg strength and 30 tablets. The pharmacy, ZIP code, and coupon can change the price; this is a live comparison, not a second fixed quote.
Compare the cash price with your plan’s out-of-pocket quote for the same strength and quantity. Coupon purchases may not count toward your insurance deductible.
Does insurance cover fenofibrate?
Coverage for fenofibrate varies by plan and formulation. These named formularies and medical policies were checked October 6, 2026; your plan’s rules and cost sharing may differ.
| Insurer | Coverage policy |
|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | Common tablet strengths and listed micronized capsules are Tier 2, with no prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limit listed. Commercial PDL, September 2026. |
| Aetna | Common tablet strengths are preferred generic; some manufacturers and other formulations have different status. Advanced Control, October 2026. |
| Cigna | Cigna lists common generic fenofibrate formulations, including 145 mg tablets, at Tier 1 with possible home delivery and no listed prior authorization or step therapy. California Standard 4-Tier (DMHC), July 2026. |
| Anthem | Common tablet and capsule formulations are Tier 1 with a one-unit daily limit. California Individual Select, October 2026. |
| Blue Shield of California | The 145 mg tablet is Tier 1, limited to one daily. The 48 and 54 mg tablets allow two daily; other formulations may have step therapy. Standard Formulary. |
| BCBS of Texas | Common listed formulations are preferred generic, with no listed prior-authorization or step-therapy marker. Performance Annual, 2026. |
What are the side effects of fenofibrate?
Fenofibrate can cause liver-enzyme elevations, muscle injury, gallstones, and increases in serum creatinine. Kidney and liver monitoring matter. Gallbladder disease and severe kidney impairment are important contraindications. Full safety information.
Does fenofibrate reduce heart attacks or strokes?
Fenofibrate did not significantly reduce the primary cardiovascular outcome overall when added to simvastatin in ACCORD Lipid. A triglyceride-lowering effect should not be represented as a proven cardiovascular benefit for every patient. Read the supporting evidence.
Is fenofibrate right for you?
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