Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Fenomax (Fenofibrate). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Fenomax (Fenofibrate) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Fenomax (Fenofibrate). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Constipation
• decreased interest in sexual activity
• Diarrhea
• dizziness
• fatigue
• headache
• increased skin sensitivity to sunlight
• joint pain
• nausea
• red, itchy skin
• skin rash
• stomach pain
• trouble sleeping

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
• signs of liver problems (e.g., dark urine, general feeling of being unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the eyes or skin)
• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, chills, or Fever

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., Hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing)
• signs of a blood clot (e.g., breathlessness; coughing up blood; pain in chest, groin, or leg – especially in the calf)
• signs of pancreatitis (e.g., abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Fenomax (Fenofibrate).

Do not take microcoated Fenomax (Fenofibrate) if you:

• are allergic to Fenomax (Fenofibrate) or any of the ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to other medications of the fibrate class (e.g., Gemfibrozil, Bezafibrate, clofibrate)
• are allergic to peanuts, arachis oil, or soya lecithin
• are pregnant or breast-feeding
• are taking a "statin" cholesterol-lowering medication (e.g., Atorvastatin, Lovastatin) and have or are at risk of developing muscle problems
• have gallbladder disease
• have had a severe skin reaction to other fibrates or Ketoprofen
• have had pancreatitis
• have severe Kidney Disease
• have severe liver disease
• are under 18 years old

There may be an interaction between microcoated Fenomax (Fenofibrate) and any of the following:

• Cholestyramine resin
• Colchicine
• Colestipol
• Cyclosporine
• Erlotinib
• Everolimus
• Ezetimibe
• raltegravir
• "statin" medications (e.g., atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin)
• sulfonylureas (e.g., Gliclazide, Glyburide)
• Tacrolimus
• Ursodiol
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Fenomax (Fenofibrate). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Fenomax (Fenofibrate).

Blood components: Small, temporary decreases in red and white blood cell counts have been observed in people using Fenomax (Fenofibrate). Your doctor will check for this with blood tests during the first year of treatment.

Combination therapy: The use of Fenomax (Fenofibrate) and "statin" medications (e.g., atorvastatin, lovastatin, Simvastatin) at the same time may increase the risk of muscle-related side effects. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking the two types of medications together.

Gallbladder disease: For some people, Fenomax (Fenofibrate) may cause gallstones. If you experience abdominal or stomach pain, gas, nausea, or bloating (especially after eating high-fat foods), contact your doctor.

Kidney function: People with impaired kidney function may be more at risk of certain side effects when taking Fenomax (Fenofibrate). Depending on the degree of kidney function impairment, lower doses of Fenomax (Fenofibrate) may be needed. Fenomax (Fenofibrate) is not recommended for use by people undergoing dialysis treatment.

Liver function: Fenomax (Fenofibrate) may affect liver function. Your doctor will monitor this with blood tests. People with current or past liver problems may be more at risk for liver function changes while taking Fenomax (Fenofibrate).

Pancreatitis: Fenomax (Fenofibrate) can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. If you have a history of pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how Fenomax (Fenofibrate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fenomax (Fenofibrate), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Skeletal muscle: Treatment with Fenomax (Fenofibrate) has been associated on rare occasions with muscle pain, usually in people with reduced kidney function. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if you have malaise (a general feeling of illness) or fever.

Pregnancy: Strict birth control methods must be used by women of childbearing age. If you become pregnant despite birth control methods, stop taking Fenomax (Fenofibrate) and contact your doctor. Women who plan to become pregnant should stop taking Fenomax (Fenofibrate) several months in advance.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Fenomax (Fenofibrate) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Fenomax (Fenofibrate), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Fenomax (Fenofibrate) have not been established for children.

Seniors: Seniors are more likely to have reduced kidney function and may need lower doses of Fenomax (Fenofibrate).