TriCor is a brand name of a medication generically called fenofibrate. Your health care practitioner might prescribe it if you have high levels of triglycerides in your blood. Triglycerides, categorized as a part of cholesterol, are a type of fat. Fish oil, an over-the-counter supplement, also can work to decrease the levels of triglycerides in your blood. Your doctor may recommend that you take both TriCor and fish oil together to lower your triglycerides, but do not take them together without her permission.
TriCor Benefits
TriCor or fenofibrate actually works not only to reduce triglyceride levels, but also to lower the other bad cholesterol known as low-density lipoproteins, according to Drugs.com. It works in your body by making your liver reduce the levels of triglycerides it produces. Triglycerides, over time, deposit fat particles inside your blood vessels and arteries. As these increase, they become hard and start to block the normal flow of blood. This is atherosclerosis. The hardened bits, known as plaques, prevent regular blood flow, which increases the heart’s workload and raises your blood pressure. TriCor can help to stop this buildup. High triglyceride levels also can cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of your pancreas. Your doctor may prescribe TriCor to help your body prevent the development of pancreatitis, notes MayoClinic.com.
TriCor Side Effects
TriCor might produce some minor and major side effects. The medicine can temporarily make it difficult for you to breathe, and it can cause congestion in your chest. Although these side effects generally disappear on their own, you should report any breathing difficulties to your doctor. Serious side effects may include developing a fever or feeling abnormally weak. You might feel severe pain in your stomach, or feel nauseous and then vomit. Drugs.com recommends stopping the use of TriCor and immediately contacting your practitioner if any of these side effects occur.
Fish Oil Benefits
Fish oil, derived from the liver of many types of fish, works to decrease your triglyceride levels. Known as an omega-3-acid ethyl ester, fish oil supplements contain two ingredients that function in your body to fight triglycerides. These are eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Together, these omega-3s not only reduce the triglycerides, but also help to clean out the already built-up fats in your bloodstream. Fish oil also can act as an anti-inflammatory to relieve pain associated with problems such as arthritis.
Fish Oil Side Effects
Fish oil generally causes only minor and temporary side effects when you begin to use it. It can make your mouth taste fishy and you might burp this taste as well. It can cause minor pain in your lower back. It also can induce discomfort in your stomach. If any of these side effects persist or worry you, ask your doctor for help.
Interactions
Because fish oil and TriCor do essentially the same thing, they can potentially have a cumulative effect. This might not pose a danger to you, but only your doctor can know this for certain, based on your specific medical conditions. Physicians often recommend taking fish oil along with fenofibrate, but you should not do so without asking your doctor if you can. You might have some other medical condition, or take some other medication, that can cause problems when you combine fish oil and TriCor.
Member Comments