Fenofibrate and Muscle Pain: What Users Say

• SJC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2017

For Hyperlipoproteinemia "I took fenofibrate for four months and thought this is finally a drug I could take with no side effects. However, the fourth month, I had such leg pain I could hardly walk. My thighs and calves felt like I had blood clots. My husband suggested it might be the fenofibrate, so I stopped taking it immediately. The third day, I could walk again with no pain. I then realized other side effects were a runny nose, headaches, and other muscle pain. I saw my doctor today after stopping the medication three weeks ago and told him how much better I felt. He was not happy I quit the medication and suggested the side effects are all in my mind. Needless to say, I'm looking for a new doctor."

• Jua...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2020

For Hypertriglyceridemia "I took fenofibrate continuously for 40 days. I never had triglycerides so low in my life (150 mg). Due to multiple side effects (sore throat, sinusitis, muscle aches, and tiredness), I decided to stop it. Now 2 weeks later, I felt well and all side effects went away. I decided to restart the medication, this time 3 times per week (145 mg). 10 days later, I am back with leg and back pain as well as a sensation of general weakness as if I had a viral illness. Today I decided to stop it and call my physician."

• Fox...
• August 8, 2016

For Hyperlipoproteinemia "Yow! This drug has started causing (after 2 months) shoulder pain, becoming a 10, very intense. I stopped using it and two months later it has wrecked my shoulder muscle, feels like a war with muscle and nerves, most horrible pain I ever endured. Every morning is like Groundhog Day, the same, the same, the same. It has now moved to my wrists and into my hands... swelling and intense pain, intense. My shoulder pain would make putting on a t-shirt next to impossible. Dressing has been a long and painful experience, daily. I pray for this to stop someday, it has made my life horrible. I am 70 and was in good shape before this. Now I would consider death relaxing."

• Sno...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2019

For Hypertriglyceridemia "This is my second round with fenofibrate. Each time, I developed muscle pain and weakness to the point it inhibited my exercise. My creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels are elevated. Fortunately, my PCP listens to me. I convinced her that my exercise can be more beneficial than this drug for me. I feel like I’ve been in a brawl. I found it difficult just to get out of bed. I was only back on it for less than a month."

• Pen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2025

For Hypertriglyceridemia "Two months ago I was prescribed the 56 mg dose. I thought I was okay until recently I started getting a rash and itching. I had some muscle pain, but I also take a statin, so I thought it could be that. It lowered my triglycerides from 356 to 109, so it does work, but I have to go off of it because of the itching and the rash."