By the way, doctor: Should I take Pravachol and TriCor together?
Q I take Pravachol to control my cholesterol, and because of my high triglycerides, my doctor wants to add TriCor. But my pharmacist warns against taking both medications. If I don’t take TriCor, are there alternatives?
A Pravastatin (Pravachol) is a statin and fenofibrate (TriCor) is a fibrate drug. They’re both prescribed to improve levels of blood fats. The statins are very good at lowering total and “bad” LDL cholesterol. The fibrate drugs lower triglycerides and increase “good” HDL cholesterol. All of these changes reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and its complications, most notably heart attacks.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.