Tricor and Risk of Gallstones

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Tricor and Risk of Gallstones

Question:

I am on Tricor to try to raise my HDL and lower my triglycerides. I have read that prolonged use of Tricor can cause gallstones. What is the probability that this will happen? Is there a blood test that can be used to predict if stones will form?

Answer:

Tricor (fenofibrate is the chemical name) has been associated with a slightly increased risk of gallstones. The increase in risk is likely around 1%, although the exact probability of gallstones is not clear, since most of the research studies did not look for gallstones. This phenomenon has been observed with other medications in this drug class (known as fibrates). Fenofibrate appears to have a relatively lower association with gallstone formation than some of the other medications in the class.

There is no blood test that can be used to predict whether gallstones will form. Even if gallstones do form, they do not necessarily require an intervention unless symptoms develop. Symptoms such as pain in the right upper portion of the abdomen, nausea, or jaundice (a yellow tint of the skin or whites of the eyes) are indicators of possible problems with gallstones. If symptoms such as these develop, then it is important to seek medical attention.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009