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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Constipation After Taking Fenofibrate?

My dad is 91 years old and recently took Fenofibate 145mg for his chorlesterol. He stop taking the medication about 1 month ago and is experiencing constipation. His doctor gave him DOK stool softener but he s still not going regularly. He called me this moring to take him to the hospital because his bowels are not moving regular and he s concerned. Nothing else is effecting him he just wants to know that if they re not moving where are they going? I suggested Fiber. Should I take him to the ER?
Thu, 4 May 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

I have gone through your father's medical history carefully and understood his concerns.

Fenofibrate is a medication of fibrate class used to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides levels.
One possible side effects of this drug is diarrhea or frequent loose stool sometimes.

The current problems your father is having are due to constipation, and not related to fenofibrate use/stop.

He should change his eating habits:
- increase intake of fiber rich foods (kiwi, prunes, etc)
- fiber supplements can help (psyllium, prunes, etc)
- give gentle laxative like Sena as tea or candies to help bowel movement
- ask to increase water intake
- ask to have small walking especially after eating to ease digestion
- anal enema can help clean his colon

If this does not work, consult with a gastroenterologist.

Wish fast recovery.
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What Causes Severe Constipation After Taking Fenofibrate?

Hi, I have gone through your father s medical history carefully and understood his concerns. Fenofibrate is a medication of fibrate class used to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides levels. One possible side effects of this drug is diarrhea or frequent loose stool sometimes. The current problems your father is having are due to constipation, and not related to fenofibrate use/stop. He should change his eating habits: - increase intake of fiber rich foods (kiwi, prunes, etc) - fiber supplements can help (psyllium, prunes, etc) - give gentle laxative like Sena as tea or candies to help bowel movement - ask to increase water intake - ask to have small walking especially after eating to ease digestion - anal enema can help clean his colon If this does not work, consult with a gastroenterologist. Wish fast recovery.