TriCor gets cholesterol indication, tablets will replace capsules

Drug Store News, Nov 5, 2001

Abbott Laboratories was granted a new drug indication for TriCor (fenofibrate tablets) as a treatment to raise "good" cholesterol levels, or HDL-C, in patients with levels of high "bad" cholesterol.

Along with the indication change, Abbott will launch TriCor tablets to replace TriCor capsules. The tablets, Abbott noted, offer increased bioavailability over capsules and provide patients with the equivalent concentrations of the drug at a lower dose. TriCor tablets in 54 mg and 160 mg strengths are equivalent to 67 mg and 200 mg capsules, respectively, when taken with food. The tablets will be the same in price as the previous capsule formulation. The 54 mg and 160 mg tablets should be available nationwide in pharmacies now, and Abbott suggests that all new TriCor prescriptions be written and dispensed as tablets. Pharmacies should fill capsule-refill prescriptions until their supplies are depleted, then contact the prescribing physician to obtain authorization to convert to tablets.