What is the drug Triglide Used For? A Guide to Fenofibrate's Purpose

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

High cholesterol and triglyceride levels affect millions of adults, increasing the risk of serious health problems. In this context, medications like Triglide, which contains the active ingredient fenofibrate, have been used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to help manage these lipid levels. This guide delves into what the drug Triglide was used for, detailing its mechanism, and important safety information.

Quick Summary

Triglide, containing fenofibrate, was used as an adjunct to diet for treating high triglycerides and cholesterol. The brand was discontinued in 2018, but generic fenofibrate is widely available. It works by activating PPARα to help regulate lipids, reduce triglyceride-rich particles, and improve cholesterol profiles.

Key Points

Purpose: Triglide (fenofibrate) is used as an adjunct to diet to treat high triglycerides and primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia.
Action: It works by activating PPARα, which increases the breakdown and removal of triglyceride-rich particles from the blood.
Side Effects: Potential side effects include myopathy (muscle pain/weakness), hepatotoxicity (liver damage), and cholelithiasis (gallstones).
Contraindications: Fenofibrate should not be used in patients with severe renal or liver disease, pre-existing gallbladder disease, or those who are breastfeeding.
Market Status: The Triglide brand was discontinued in 2018, but the generic fenofibrate is still widely available.
Monitoring: Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor lipid levels, liver function, and kidney function while on this medication.

The Purpose of Triglide (Fenofibrate)

Triglide was a brand name for fenofibrate, a fibrate medication used to manage certain lipid disorders in adults as an adjunct to diet, exercise, and weight control. Its primary uses were for treating severe hypertriglyceridemia or primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia. While the Triglide brand was discontinued in May 2018, generic fenofibrate remains available.

Reducing High Triglyceride Levels

Fenofibrate is indicated as an adjunct to diet for adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia (high triglyceride levels). Severely elevated triglycerides can increase the risk of pancreatitis. By lowering triglycerides, the medication helps reduce this risk. However, the effect of fenofibrate on reducing pancreatitis risk specifically hasn't been extensively studied.

Managing High Cholesterol and Mixed Dyslipidemia

Fenofibrate is also used alongside diet for adults with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. It helps to decrease LDL-C ("bad" cholesterol), total cholesterol, and Apo B, while increasing HDL-C ("good" cholesterol).

Mechanism of Action: How Fenofibrate Works

Fenofibrate is converted in the body to its active form, fenofibric acid. Fenofibric acid activates PPARα, a receptor that plays a key role in lipid metabolism. This activation leads to several effects:

Increased breakdown of triglycerides by activating lipoprotein lipase.
Reduced levels of apoprotein CIII, further enhancing lipoprotein lipase activity.
Improved clearance of triglyceride-rich particles from the bloodstream.
Changes in LDL particle composition, making them less likely to contribute to atherosclerosis.
Increased production of apoproteins A-I and A-II, leading to higher HDL-C levels.

Important Safety Information and Considerations

Understanding the safety profile of fenofibrate is crucial.

Potential Side Effects

Common side effects can include headache and gastrointestinal issues. More serious, less common side effects require immediate medical attention:

Muscle Problems: Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness can indicate myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition potentially leading to kidney failure. Risk factors include older age, kidney problems, diabetes, and hypothyroidism.
Liver Issues: Symptoms like jaundice or persistent nausea may signal liver injury. Liver function monitoring is necessary.
Gallstones: Increased cholesterol in bile can lead to gallstone formation.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas has been reported.
Allergic Reactions: Severe reactions like anaphylaxis or angioedema can occur.

Contraindications

Fenofibrate should not be used in individuals with:

Severe kidney or liver impairment.
Existing gallbladder disease.
Known allergy to fenofibrate.
Who are breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Fenofibrate can interact with other medications:

Blood Thinners (e.g., Warfarin): Can increase bleeding risk, requiring dose adjustments and monitoring.
Immunosuppressants (e.g., Cyclosporine): Increased risk of kidney problems, requiring monitoring.
Bile-Acid Binding Resins: Can reduce fenofibrate absorption. Take fenofibrate at a different time.
Colchicine: Increased risk of myopathy; caution is needed.

Triglide vs. Generic Fenofibrate and Other Fibrates

Market Status and Alternatives

As Triglide was discontinued in 2018, patients now use generic fenofibrate products. Several generic options are available, and patients should confirm the correct equivalent with their healthcare provider and pharmacist.

Comparison with Other Fibrates

Here's a comparison between fenofibrate and gemfibrozil, another fibrate:


Feature	Triglide (Fenofibrate)	Gemfibrozil
Dosing Frequency	Typically once daily.	Typically twice daily.
LDL-C Effect	Can produce a modest LDL-C lowering effect.	Primarily for hypertriglyceridemia, often with minimal effect on LDL.
Meal Dependence	The Triglide brand could be taken with or without food; check generic specifics.	Some formulations require food for better absorption.
Use with Statins	Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis when combined; generally avoided unless benefits outweigh risks.	Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis when combined; generally avoided.

Important Context on Efficacy

Studies have not consistently shown that fenofibrate reduces cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes, especially when used with statins. This emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular risk management.

Administration

For the discontinued Triglide tablets, the medication was typically taken once daily and swallowed whole. Generic fenofibrate instructions may vary, so always follow your doctor's and pharmacist's guidance. Consistent use with diet, exercise, and regular lab monitoring is essential.

Conclusion

While the brand-name Triglide is no longer on the market, generic fenofibrate remains a vital treatment option for managing high triglycerides and certain forms of mixed dyslipidemia as an adjunct to lifestyle changes. Understanding its mechanism, potential side effects, and drug interactions is crucial for safe use. Given that fibrates haven't consistently shown a reduction in major cardiovascular events, patients and healthcare providers must focus on overall cardiovascular health and regular monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the brand-name medication Triglide was discontinued in May 2018. However, its active ingredient, fenofibrate, is available under other brand names and as a generic medication.

Fenofibrate, the active ingredient in Triglide, has not been proven to reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes, particularly when used in conjunction with statins. Its primary role is in managing lipid levels.

If you were previously on Triglide, your doctor will prescribe a generic fenofibrate equivalent. It is crucial to follow the specific instructions on the new prescription label. Some fenofibrate products need to be taken with food, while others can be taken without.

Serious side effects of fenofibrate can include muscle pain or weakness (myopathy), liver damage, gallstones, and pancreatitis. Promptly report any such symptoms to your doctor.

Combining fenofibrate with statins increases the risk of serious muscle toxicity, such as rhabdomyolysis. This combination should generally be avoided unless the benefits are deemed to outweigh the risks by a healthcare professional.

You should avoid consuming foods high in fat or cholesterol, as this can reduce the effectiveness of the medication. It is also recommended to avoid alcohol, as it can raise triglyceride levels and may increase the risk of liver damage.

No, fenofibrate is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment, active liver disease, or preexisting gallbladder disease. Individuals with these conditions should not take Triglide or its generic equivalents.