Audra

Quick links to important sections

Audra

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Audra

What is Audra? Defining the Lipid-Modifying Agent

Property Description
Active Ingredient Fenofibrate
Form Solid oral dosage (Capsule or Tablet)
Pharmacological Class Fibrate class (Fibric Acid Derivative)
General Purpose Lipid-modifying agent; manages dyslipidemia
Origin Synthetic chemical compound

What Type of Medicine is Audra (Fenofibrate)?

Audra is a prescription-only medicine containing the active ingredient Fenofibrate, a synthetic fibric acid derivative that belongs to the fibrate class of drugs. This classification places it within the broader category of antilipemic agents, signifying its function to modify the levels of fats, or lipids, in the bloodstream. The medicine is available as a single-ingredient solid oral dosage form, such as a capsule or a tablet, intended for oral administration. Fenofibrate is recognized as a prodrug, meaning it is quickly converted into its biologically active metabolite, fenofibric acid, after it is absorbed by the body.


General Purpose: Modifying the Balance of Fats

The primary role of Audra is to act as a lipid-modifying agent to help patients establish a healthier lipid profile. The medicine achieves this general purpose by functioning as a PPARalpha agonist, activating a specific nuclear receptor that promotes fat catabolism. This powerful action facilitates the breakdown and efficient clearance of excess triglycerides and associated very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). The use of Fenofibrate is clinically recognized for its ability to target these specific fat components. By targeting these elements, Audra helps manage imbalances of circulating lipids, such as hypertriglyceridemia, collectively known as dyslipidemia.

Regulatory References

  1. MedlinePlus: Fenofibrate Information

What side effects are possible with Audra?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Audra (Fenofibrate) is based on official government regulatory documents that categorize reported adverse reactions by frequency and affected physiological system.


Adverse Reaction Classification

Side effects are officially classified using frequency tiers derived from clinical trial data. Common reactions documented in official labeling typically involve gastrointestinal disorders (such as abdominal pain and nausea) and Hepato-biliary disorders, often manifesting as abnormal liver function tests. Less frequent, or Uncommon, reactions may include pancreatitis, venous thromboembolism (such as deep vein thrombosis), and hypersensitivity reactions.


Serious Adverse Reactions and System-Specific Safety

Regulatory sources explicitly list several serious adverse reactions. These include rhabdomyolysis (a severe form of muscle toxicity), acute pancreatitis, and serious forms of hepatotoxicity (liver damage). These serious events often pertain to the Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders and the Hepato-biliary system.


Population-Specific Safety Constraints

The official label defines high-level safety constraints for specific patient groups. Audra is contraindicated in individuals with pre-existing severe renal impairment, active liver disease, or a history of gallbladder disease. Furthermore, older adults require careful consideration, as dose selection is advised to account for potentially decreased renal function. The regulatory documents also mandate periodic monitoring of both liver enzymes and renal function markers throughout the course of treatment, reflecting an exposure-related safety pattern.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory documents for Audra (Fenofibrate) emphasize that any suspected overdose requires immediate medical attention. Since no specific antidote is known, the management approach is strictly symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Documented Manifestations and Severe Outcomes

Overdose may be associated with manifestations of muscle injury, known as myopathy, presenting as unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Laboratory findings often include elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and increased Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) levels.

The most serious risk documented in regulatory labels is the potential for rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to acute renal failure. Additionally, the possibility of severe drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions is noted. Patients with existing renal impairment or geriatric patients are identified in official labeling as populations with increased risk for severe adverse effects, implying heightened risk in an overdose scenario.

Required Emergency Action

Regulatory guidance mandates that patients or caregivers must seek emergency medical attention or call a Poison Control center immediately following a suspected overdose. Hospital monitoring of hepatic function and CPK levels is required for management and to assess the risk of complications. Procedures such as gastric lavage may be considered if appropriate, but hemodialysis is stated as not useful due to high protein binding.

Therapeutic Uses of Audra

What Audra Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Audra is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, particularly when patients experience discomfort or tension. This category of medicine is commonly used to help manage symptoms across a wide range of issues, including those related to acute discomfort, systemic strain, and functional stress.

Supporting Symptom Management

The medicine is relevant in contexts marked by increased discomfort and may assist with addressing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive. It provides support that contributes to easing the overall symptom load and helps improve day-to-day comfort. “It is relevant in contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension, and helps address symptom clusters that may become disruptive.”

Addressing Episodic Symptom Patterns

Audra is applicable within clinical settings that involve acute or disruptive symptom patterns. It is commonly used across conditions presenting with episodic or recurrent manifestations, supporting patients during phases of increased distress or discomfort when symptoms may intensify temporarily.

Improving Day-to-Day Stability

By offering symptomatic relief, Audra assists with maintaining functional stability when symptoms interfere with routine activities. This supportive relief may assist patients to cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations, supporting general well-being during symptomatic phases.

Quick Fact: Support for Episodic Discomfort

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Audra (Fenofibrate)?

Eligibility for Audra is strictly determined by official regulatory documents based on a patient's health status and age. The medicine is primarily approved for adult patients with hyperlipidemia.


Absolute Contraindications

Audra must not be used in specific populations, as officially listed as contraindicated. This includes patients with severe renal impairment (kidney disease) or active liver disease, patients with pre-existing gallbladder disease, and nursing mothers. The medicine is also contraindicated for individuals with known hypersensitivity to fenofibrate or other fibrates, or a history of photoallergic reaction to fibrates or ketoprofen.


Age and Conditional Use Restrictions

Use is officially not recommended for the pediatric population (children under 18) because safety and efficacy have not been established. For elderly patients, use is permitted, but dose selection must be based on an assessment of renal function. In patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, use is permitted but a specific dose reduction is required. Use during pregnancy is conditional, requiring a careful benefit-risk assessment.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Documented Drug-Drug Interaction Patterns

Co-administration with HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins) or Colchicine is officially associated with a pharmacodynamic risk reinforcement, specifically an increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. This risk is noted to be heightened in specific populations, including elderly patients and those with renal impairment, diabetes, or uncontrolled hypothyroidism.

Audra’s active metabolite, fenofibric acid, is documented as a mild-to-moderate inhibitor of Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9). This pharmacokinetic mechanism results in the potentiation of the hypoprothrombinemic effect when co-administered with Coumarin Anticoagulants such as Warfarin, necessitating close monitoring to manage the heightened risk of bleeding.


Administration Constraints and Exposure-Modifying Agents

  • Bile Acid Resins: A mandatory timing-based administration separation is required to prevent interference with absorption. Audra must be administered at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after the resin (e.g., Cholestyramine).
  • Cyclosporine: This immunosuppressant may increase the systemic exposure of the active fenofibric acid metabolite due to the risk of concurrent renal function deterioration, which reduces fibrate clearance.
  • Food Constraint: Certain formulations are subject to a food-dependent absorption constraint, requiring the medicine to be taken with a meal for adequate systemic exposure.
  • Alcohol: Caution is advised regarding heavy alcohol consumption, as it can elevate triglyceride levels, potentially counteracting the product’s official purpose.

Mechanism of Action

How Audra Works

Audra modifies processes within the lipid metabolism system by engaging specific receptor activity. Its action is focused on modulating core mechanisms of fat processing to produce defined physiological consequences.

Audra's primary molecular action is to function as an agonist for Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) found in the cell nucleus. This interaction initiates a cascade by activating genes responsible for fat breakdown (fatty acid oxidation), resulting in altered dynamics within the targeted metabolic pathways.

This mechanism leads to an increase in the availability and activity of Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL). By boosting this enzyme, Audra modifies early molecular steps that shape systemic physiological outcomes, driving the enhanced removal of fat particles from the bloodstream.

The systemic reduction in circulating triglycerides subsequently causes a shift in the overall composition of fat-carrying lipoproteins. This action alters the influence of elevated mediator activity, contributing to the adjustment of the body's fat transport processes.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Audra: Official Administration Guidelines

Audra, containing Fenofibrate, is a lipid-modifying agent administered under a specific protocol as outlined by national health authorities. The official instructions dictate the logistical elements of use, focusing on the route, dose, and required timing.


Administration Scope

Instruction Detail
Route of administration Oral administration only.
Dosing schedule Once daily (O.D.) in a single unit dose. The maintenance dose is typically individualized within the officially approved ranges (e.g., 40 mg to 160 mg).
Timing in relation to meals Formulation-dependent; certain products must be taken with a meal for absorption, while others may be taken regardless of food.
Preparation requirements The tablet or capsule must be swallowed whole; instructions prohibit splitting, crushing, or chewing the dosage unit.
Population-based rules Dosage adjustment is mandated for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, often requiring a reduced initial dose (e.g., 35 mg or 48 mg).

Procedural Structure

The full course of Audra treatment is integrated as an adjunct to diet, forming part of a long-term therapeutic plan. Documentation specifies that the dosage unit must be ingested whole, ensuring the once-daily schedule is followed without taking extra doses to compensate for any missed timing. Furthermore, the timing of Audra must be specifically separated from other co-administered agents, such as bile acid binding resins, by a window of 1 to 6 hours. The official use protocol requires a formal assessment of the therapeutic response, typically within two months of reaching the maximum dose, before therapy is continued.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Audra: Recent Clinical Evidence


## Evidence for Managing Severe Hypertriglyceridemia

Researchers have conducted short-term and intermediate-term randomized controlled trials exploring whether Audra affects highly elevated blood fat levels, specifically triglycerides (TG). These studies primarily involved adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Studies reported changes in measured lipid biomarkers, where TG concentrations were observed to be lower and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations higher in the fenofibrate group compared to control groups. The evidence base contributes to understanding how the medicine affects these specific biomarkers, but long-term clinical data on outcomes like the prevention of acute pancreatitis remain insufficient.


## Evidence for Mixed Hyperlipidemia and Cardiovascular Events

Large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials, such as the FIELD and ACCORD Lipid studies, examined Audra's use in adults with high cardiovascular risk, typically those with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. When considering the full population, trials reported no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of the main combined endpoint of heart attacks and stroke compared to the control group. However, patterns were observed in a high-risk subgroup defined by the combination of high triglycerides and low HDL-C, though subgroup findings are uncertain and require further validation.


## Evidence for Microvascular Conditions in Diabetes

Long-term studies have examined the progression of diabetic retinopathy when Audra was administered. Research reported patterns where participants assigned to the fenofibrate group was associated with a lower rate of needing a first laser treatment for certain serious eye complications compared to the control group. This effect may be separate from the medicine’s primary function of modifying blood fats, and evidence for patients with Type 1 diabetes is limited.


## Understanding the Long-Term Research and Follow-up

The research evidence includes major trials where participants were monitored in study settings for periods that typically ranged from three to five years. While this follow-up duration was necessary to examine major clinical events, long-term outcomes beyond these trial periods are not fully established, and there is limited information on the continued evolution of outcomes over decades.


## Evidence in Specific Patient Subgroups

Research primarily examined adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and specific analyses explored the patterns of outcomes in participants with the combination of high triglycerides and low HDL-C. Data for certain groups remain insufficient, particularly for pediatric populations (children) and individuals with severe kidney impairment, where dedicated research studies are still emerging.


## Identifying Research Gaps and Remaining Uncertainty

The evidence highlights several areas of uncertainty. The cardiovascular findings were mixed, meaning certainty remains low for a broad reduction in heart attacks and strokes across all high-risk patients. Follow-up durations were limited to a few years in the major trials, and comparative evidence is lacking for how Audra performs against many newer therapies. Findings describe group patterns observed in the studies, but research does not provide individual predictions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Audra (FAQ)


Q: How long does it usually take for Audra to show its expected effects?

The expected effects of Audra involve changes to the blood fat levels, which must be assessed via laboratory testing. Official regulatory information indicates that physicians generally advise a lipid profile check as early as four to eight weeks after a patient starts treatment. Your healthcare provider will use these test results to determine the medication's therapeutic response.

Q: What is the FDA or EMA pregnancy category for Audra?

The active ingredient in Audra was formerly classified by the FDA as Pregnancy Category C. Under the current regulatory structure, official documents advise that the medicine is generally for use during pregnancy only if a careful assessment determines that the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn baby.

Q: What happens if I forget or miss a dose of Audra?

If a dose is forgotten, regulatory advice for this type of medication typically instructs the patient to skip the missed dose completely. The instruction is to then take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. It is advised not to take a double dose to compensate for the one that was missed.

Q: Are there common signs that Audra is starting to work as expected?

Since the primary goal of Audra is to modify specific levels of lipids and cholesterol in the bloodstream, there are typically no common physical signs that indicate the medicine is starting to work. The effects can only be accurately confirmed through periodic laboratory blood tests. Your healthcare provider relies on these test results to monitor your treatment response.

Q: Is there a generic version of Audra available on the market?

Yes, Audra contains the active ingredient fenofibrate, which is approved by regulatory agencies in the fibrate class. This compound is widely available in multiple generic formulations approved for use on the market.

Q: Does Audra affect sleep, such as causing insomnia or excessive drowsiness?

Official regulatory documents do not commonly list insomnia (trouble sleeping) or excessive drowsiness as frequent side effects of this medication. However, some clinical trial data has reported general fatigue or asthenia (unusual tiredness or weakness) as a potential adverse reaction.

Q: Are there any official warnings about Audra and driving or operating machinery?

Official safety guidance describes the need for caution when driving or operating complex machinery. This requirement applies until it is established how the medicine affects the individual.

Q: Are headaches a common side effect of starting Audra?

Yes, official regulatory documentation based on clinical trials lists headache as one of the commonly reported adverse reactions. Patients who experience side effects should seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Q: What does it mean if Audra has a 'Black Box Warning' or a REMS program?

Regulatory documents include extensive warnings about the potential for serious muscle toxicity, such as rhabdomyolysis, and the risk of severe liver injury (hepatotoxicity). These warnings indicate the necessity for specific risk management efforts required by health authorities. Regular monitoring of liver enzymes and kidney function is typically mandated during treatment.

Q: How long does Audra stay in the body after the last dose?

The active substance in Audra is quickly converted to its active metabolite, fenofibric acid. This metabolite has an elimination half-life of approximately 20 hours. Pharmacokinetic data indicates that most of the medication is typically eliminated from the body within about six days after the last dose.

Q: Is it true that Audra should not be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice?

Regulatory safety information generally states that there are no known specific interactions between this medicine and foods or drinks such as grapefruit or grapefruit juice. However, it is important to follow all food-timing instructions, as some formulations require the medication to be taken with a meal for proper absorption.

Q: Does Audra show up on routine drug screening tests?

The active metabolite of Audra, fenofibric acid, has been documented in safety warnings. Studies have shown that it can cause false-positive results for MDMA (ecstasy) on certain preliminary immunoassay drug screening tests. It is important that individuals inform the testing facility about the use of Audra to help prevent inaccurate results.

How should Audra be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Audra?

The storage and disposal of Audra (Fenofibrate) must strictly adhere to regulatory guidelines to maintain product stability and ensure safety.

Official Storage Requirements

Audra should be stored at controlled room temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), with permitted temperature excursions. The medicine must be protected from freezing, excess heat, direct light, and moisture. To maintain stability, the solid oral dosage form must be kept in the original container with the lid tightly closed.

Safety and Disposal

It is a mandatory regulatory requirement to keep Audra out of the sight and reach of children at all times. Expired or unused medicine must not be kept. Patients should consult a pharmacist or healthcare professional for instructions on discarding the product, as disposal must follow all federal, state, and local environmental regulations, and should not involve releasing the product into the environment.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Equivalent of Audra found in:

A-Z Index: