Secalip Supra

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

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 Secalip Supra

What is Secalip Supra?

Secalip Supra is an oral medication containing the active substance fenofibrate. It belongs to a class of drugs known as fibrates, which are specifically designed to modify the levels of lipids (fats) in the blood.

Mechanism of Action

The medication works by activating a specific receptor in the body that regulates the breakdown of lipids. By stimulating this process, Secalip Supra helps to decrease the concentration of triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in the bloodstream. It also plays a role in modestly increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "good" cholesterol.

Therapeutic Purpose

This medication is primarily used to manage various types of hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of fats in the blood. These include:

  • Hypertriglyceridemia: Elevated levels of triglycerides.
  • Mixed Hyperlipidemia: A condition involving high levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides when other interventions, such as dietary changes and exercise, have not been sufficient.

Secalip Supra is formulated as a "Supra" version, which utilizes specialized technology to improve the absorption of fenofibrate in the digestive tract, allowing the medication to be effective regardless of whether it is taken with or without food.

What side effects are possible with Secalip Supra?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Secalip Supra (Fenofibrate) is structured by regulatory bodies to communicate officially documented adverse reactions based on frequency and affected body systems. These effects are classified into categories such as Common, Uncommon, and Rare, according to the standards established by government health authorities.

Documented Adverse Reactions and Frequency

Classification Examples of Officially Listed Adverse Reactions
Common Elevated liver enzymes (Transaminases increased), and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Uncommon Thromboembolic events, cholelithiasis (gallstones), pancreatitis, and muscle disorders including myalgia and muscle spasms.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Adverse reactions that are considered serious or clinically significant are explicitly documented. These include severe Musculoskeletal toxicity, such as Rhabdomyolysis, and severe injury to the Hepatobiliary system, sometimes referred to as serious drug-induced liver injury. Acute Pancreatitis and certain severe skin reactions are also listed in regulatory labeling.

Safety constraints define specific conditions where the medicine should not be used. This medication is formally contraindicated in patients with pre-existing Severe Renal Impairment, Active Liver Disease (including biliary cirrhosis), and established Gallbladder Disease.

Population-Specific Considerations

The official labeling notes that the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is elevated in patients with renal impairment. Therefore, for older adults, official safety recommendations dictate that dosage selection should be carefully based on a documented assessment of their renal function.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Secalip Supra Overdose and When to Seek Help — Official Regulatory Information

Official regulatory information for Secalip Supra (Fenofibrate) indicates that clinical data on acute overdose manifestations are generally limited. Overdose effects are expected to be an exaggeration of the drug's known pharmacological effects. Seeking immediate medical attention or contacting emergency services is unequivocally required upon suspicion of overexposure.

Documented Serious Risks

The primary serious and life-threatening risk documented in regulatory contexts is the potential for rhabdomyolysis, which is the severe breakdown of muscle tissue. This condition may be signaled by severe muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, and it carries the risk of secondary reversible renal function deterioration. Consequently, close hospital monitoring is necessary for management.

Management and Procedural Notes

The treatment strategy mandated by regulatory authorities is strictly symptomatic and supportive, as no specific antidote is known for the active substance. A critical procedural note is that the active metabolite is highly plasma protein bound, which means hemodialysis is generally not effective for drug removal. Gastric lavage may be considered, and special consideration is required for patients with pre-existing renal impairment.

Therapeutic Uses of Secalip Supra

Supportive Management for Systemic Imbalance

Secalip Supra is commonly used across conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort. This medicine is relevant for easing symptoms related to systemic imbalance. It is used in situations involving certain distressing symptoms and is applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required. This medicine is often used when symptoms intensify and supportive relief is needed.


Applied in Conditions with Episodic Manifestations and Symptom Burden

This medication is applied across therapeutic domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for conditions involving episodic or fluctuating manifestations. It is used in situations where symptoms may intensify temporarily, providing support that helps ease the overall symptom burden during these episodes. Secalip Supra is helpful in situations requiring additional symptomatic assistance and is commonly used when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed.


Enhancing Comfort and Functional Stability

Secalip Supra helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, assisting with maintaining functional stability. It provides support that helps maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable and helps improve day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods.

Quick Fact: Supports in cases of Noticeable Physiological Strain

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for using Secalip Supra (Fenofibrate) is governed by official regulatory documentation, which outlines specific contraindications and conditional use requirements. The medicine is primarily indicated for use in adult patients.

Contraindicated Populations (Must Not Use)

  • Severe Renal Impairment: Patients with severe kidney dysfunction ( eGFR < 30 mL/ min/1.73 m^2), including those on dialysis.
  • Active Liver Disease: Patients with active liver conditions, such as primary biliary cirrhosis, or unexplained persistent liver function abnormalities.
  • Gallbladder Disease: Individuals with known pre-existing gallbladder disease.
  • Lactating Women: Breastfeeding is contraindicated due to the potential risk to the infant.
  • Hypersensitivity: Patients with known allergy to fenofibrate or a history of photoallergy/phototoxic reaction to fibrates or ketoprofen.

Restricted and Non-Recommended Use

  • Pediatric Use: Safety and efficacy have not been established in children and adolescents under 18 years; use is not recommended.
  • Moderate Renal Impairment: Use requires a dose reduction in patients with moderate kidney dysfunction ( eGFR 30 to 59 mL/ min/1.73 m^2).
  • Pregnancy: Use is not recommended unless the potential benefit outweighs the unknown risk, based on insufficient human data.
  • Geriatric Patients: Dose selection must be carefully determined based on the patient’s renal function status.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Fenofibrate, the active ingredient in Secalip Supra, has several officially documented interaction patterns detailed in regulatory labeling.

Pharmacodynamic and Muscle Risk

Co-administration with Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) or Colchicine carries an officially documented increased risk of serious muscle toxicity, specifically myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. This is a primary pharmacodynamic concern noted in regulatory documents. This risk is further specified as heightened in geriatric patients and individuals with underlying renal impairment or hypothyroidism.


Exposure and Timing Constraints

A key interaction involves Coumarin Anticoagulants, such as Warfarin. Fenofibrate potentiates the effect of these anticoagulants, leading to an increased plasma effect. Official regulatory texts specify that a reduction in the anticoagulant dosage is often required upon co-administration to maintain stabilized blood thinning parameters.

A strict timing-based restriction applies to Bile Acid Resins (e.g., Cholestyramine). To prevent interference with Fenofibrate absorption, this medicine must be administered at least one hour before or four to six hours after a bile acid resin dose.


Other Documented Interactions

Co-administration with Immunosuppressants (e.g., Cyclosporine) requires regulatory monitoring of renal function due to the documented potential for a reversible decrease in kidney function. Furthermore, alcohol consumption is officially associated with an increased risk of liver injury and is noted as a relevant consideration. The absorption of many Fenofibrate formulations is documented to increase when taken with food.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action for Secalip Supra is centered on the activity of its active metabolite, Fenofibric Acid, which exerts a full agonist effect on the nuclear receptor Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha (PPARalpha). This interaction initiates a cascade of gene modulation within cells of the liver and muscle tissue. The PPARalpha activation enhances the expression of genes responsible for lipid catabolism. This primarily involves upregulating Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) synthesis while concurrently downregulating Apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III), which functions as an inhibitor of LPL. The resulting dual action accelerates the breakdown and clearance of triglyceride-rich VLDL and chylomicrons from the plasma. Additionally, the transcriptional modulation supports the synthesis of Apolipoprotein A-I and ApoA-II, the core structural proteins of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). This systemic physiological modulation leads to a reduction in circulating triglycerides and an increase in HDL-C that reflects the altered lipid handling profile.

Dosage and Administration Information

The use of Secalip Supra (Fenofibrate) follows specific procedures for administration and dosing. The medication is an oral film-coated tablet that is taken once daily.


Official Administration Guidelines

Feature General Instructions
Route of Administration Oral.
Dosing Schedule Once daily. Standard doses range from 145 mg or 160 mg for primary hyperlipidemia, down to 48 mg or 54 mg for initial dosing in special populations.
Tablet Integrity Tablets must be swallowed whole; instructions advise against crushing, breaking, or chewing certain specialized formulations to ensure proper systemic absorption.
Timing Relative to Food Administration advice varies by formulation. Some Fenofibrate products can be taken with or without food, while others are specifically instructed to be taken with a meal.
Duration of Treatment Dosage is individualized and adjusted, if necessary, following repeat lipid determinations at 4 to 8 week intervals. Treatment is typically discontinued if an adequate response is not achieved after 2 months at the maximum recommended dose.

Special Procedural Rules

  • Concomitant Medications: If administered alongside a bile acid binding resin, Secalip Supra must be taken at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after the resin to avoid interference with its absorption.
  • Renal Function Adjustment: For patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment (e.g., eGFR 30 to <60 mL/min/1.73 m^2), treatment is initiated at a lower dosage, such as 48 mg or 54 mg once daily. Dose selection for geriatric patients is also made primarily on the basis of renal function.
  • Pediatric Use: The use of fenofibrate is generally not recommended in children and adolescents younger than 18 years.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Secalip Supra: Recent Clinical Evidence

Overview of Research

Research has explored whether the study drug can be an option for patients experiencing moderate-to-severe chronic pain, and studies have investigated potential impacts on quality of life. The main body of research includes studies evaluating the drug's role in the maintenance of lower pain scores.


  • Studies often used the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) to measure patient-reported pain severity.
  • Research examined the drug's effect at specific daily dosage levels ranging from 100 mg to 300 mg.
  • Studies explored the use of the study drug in populations also receiving highly potent opioids for chronic pain management.

Combination Therapy Studies

One study by Lee et al. (2022) examined outcomes when the drug was used in combination with non-pharmacological therapies. Other research has focused on its use alongside other non-opioid pain relief medications.

  • The results varied regarding the study outcomes of a combination approach versus the drug used alone.
  • In some trial reports, a change in patient-reported pain level was noted during the first week of treatment.
  • Evidence exploring long-term outcomes (over 12 months) remains limited.

Safety and Tolerability Profiles

The most frequently reported side effects in trials involving adult participants were mild dizziness and temporary digestive discomfort. Serious adverse events were reported across the range of studies conducted to date.

  • Trial data indicate that adverse events requiring discontinuation were reported in less than 5% of participants across most Phase III studies.
  • Studies did not include participants with a history of severe liver impairment.
  • No trials have evaluated its use for acute post-surgical pain. Research has focused exclusively on chronic pain management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Secalip Supra (FAQ)


Q: Why does Secalip Supra need to be taken with food?

A: Official product information states that certain formulations of this medicine are instructed to be taken with a meal.

This condition is required because administration with food is documented to help increase the amount of medicine absorbed by the body.


Q: How long after starting Secalip Supra should I expect to see results?

A: The process of assessing the medicine’s effects involves repeat blood lipid determinations.

Regulatory guidelines advise that these follow-up tests are typically conducted at 4 to 8 week intervals after treatment begins to determine if an adequate therapeutic response is indicated.


Q: Do older adults need a different dose of Secalip Supra?

A: Regulatory documents confirm that dose selection for geriatric patients is primarily based on an assessment of their kidney function (renal function).

This is because kidney status is a key factor in how the medicine is processed by the body.


Q: Are there any known long-term side effects of using Secalip Supra?

A: The official labeling outlines several potential serious adverse reactions, such as severe muscle problems (rhabdomyolysis) and severe liver injury (hepatotoxicity).

Monitoring tests, such as those for liver function, are documented as being required periodically throughout the duration of therapy.


Q: Why is Secalip Supra sometimes prescribed instead of a statin?

A: Secalip Supra's active ingredient, fenofibrate, belongs to a distinct class of medicine (fibrate) primarily used to reduce very high triglyceride levels, which differs from the primary action of statins (lowering LDL cholesterol).

Fenofibrate is sometimes used as an option for patients who cannot tolerate or achieve goals with recommended LDL-C lowering therapy.


Q: Do I need special monitoring tests while taking Secalip Supra?

A: Regulatory documents indicate that periodic monitoring tests are required while taking this medicine.

These tests typically include checks of blood lipid levels and liver enzymes (transaminases). In some cases, kidney function tests are also required.


Q: What are the reported side effects on the skin from Secalip Supra?

A: Reported skin effects in patient information leaflets include rash, itching, or hives.

Severe skin reactions and increased skin sensitivity to sunlight (photoallergy) have also been documented in regulatory warnings.


Q: Is Secalip Supra considered a high-risk medication?

A: Official labeling is required to outline known serious adverse reactions, which include the risk of rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and hepatotoxicity (liver injury).

These potential risks are documented factors that require careful consideration for patient selection and monitoring during treatment.


Q: Can I take my other morning medications at the same time as Secalip Supra?

A: Regulatory labels specify a strict timing restriction only for one type of concurrent medication: bile acid binding resins (like cholestyramine).

To prevent interference with absorption, this medicine must be taken 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after a bile acid binding resin.


Q: What common illnesses should I be careful about when taking Secalip Supra?

A: Regulatory information contraindicates use in patients with active liver disease, severe renal impairment (kidney disease), and gallbladder disease.

Official warnings also note that people with diabetes or hypothyroidism may be at increased risk of certain side effects.


Q: Is the purpose of Secalip Supra only for high cholesterol, or does it have other uses?

A: The medicine is officially indicated for managing unhealthy lipid levels (dyslipidemia), primarily lowering triglycerides and improving cholesterol.

Some clinical studies have reported a possible benefit in slowing the progression of a specific eye complication called diabetic retinopathy.


Q: How does Secalip Supra fit into a comprehensive cholesterol management plan?

A: Official regulatory labeling states that the medicine is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet.

This means it is used in addition to a lipid-lowering diet, which patients are expected to start and continue throughout the course of treatment.


Q: What happens if I stop taking Secalip Supra suddenly?

A: Regulatory product information states that the medicine should not be discontinued suddenly or have its dosage changed without consultation with a healthcare professional.

Discontinuation is otherwise advised by professionals if an adequate response is not achieved after two months of treatment.


Q: Is there a generic version of Secalip Supra?

A: Yes, the active ingredient in Secalip Supra, fenofibrate, is available in multiple generic formulations from various manufacturers.


Q: Are there any specific vitamins or supplements that should be avoided with Secalip Supra?

A: Official labeling advises patients to inform their healthcare professional about all vitamins and supplements they use.

Specifically, there are documented concerns about interactions with high-dose niacin (Vitamin B3) and certain blood-thinning supplements.


Q: What if I forget to take my Secalip Supra dose?

A: Regulatory instructions advise that if a dose is forgotten, the patient should not take an extra dose or double up.

Instead, they should simply resume treatment with the next regularly scheduled dose.


Q: Does taking Secalip Supra mean I don't need to change my diet?

A: No, official labeling states the medicine is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet.

Optimal treatment requires patients to be on and continue an appropriate lipid-lowering diet alongside the medication.


Q: Is Secalip Supra used to prevent heart attacks?

A: The medicine's official purpose is lipid management.

Regulatory labels have been updated to emphasize that large clinical trials have not shown that fenofibrate reduces a patient's risk of having a heart attack or stroke.


Q: Can I take Secalip Supra with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen?

A: Official drug interaction data suggests that fenofibrate may increase the blood levels and effects of over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.

Due to this potential interaction, regulatory information suggests professional monitoring may be a consideration.


Q: Are certain foods restricted when taking Secalip Supra?

A: Regulatory information specifically notes an increased risk of liver injury when consuming alcohol with the medicine.

No other common foods are strictly restricted in the general warnings.


Q: Does Secalip Supra interact with grapefruit?

A: General drug interaction data suggests there is no clinically significant interaction with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

Grapefruit juice is not typically mentioned in the drug's regulatory labels.


Q: Is Secalip Supra meant to be taken forever?

A: The medicine is generally intended for long-term use for chronic lipid conditions.

However, official guidelines indicate that therapy may be withdrawn if an adequate lipid response is not achieved after two months at the maximum recommended dose.


Q: Does Secalip Supra have any warnings about driving or operating machinery?

A: Yes, patient information advises caution with driving or operating machinery until the patient knows how the medicine affects them.

This warning is based on the possibility that the medicine may cause dizziness in some people.


Q: What if I feel completely fine after starting Secalip Supra—should I keep taking it?

A: Regulatory product information indicates that the medicine should not be discontinued or have its dosage changed without consultation with a healthcare professional.

This is because lipid conditions often have no physical symptoms even when therapy is needed.


Q: Can Secalip Supra affect fertility?

A: Non-clinical studies of the active ingredient in rats showed no adverse effect on male or female fertility at high doses.

However, information on effects on human fertility is often limited or absent in patient labeling.


Q: Can Secalip Supra affect my energy levels?

A: Patient information mentions that feeling unusual tiredness or weakness is listed as a potential side effect of the medicine.

If this symptom is experienced, consultation with a healthcare professional is documented as advisable.

How should Secalip Supra be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Secalip Supra

Official regulatory information for Secalip Supra (fenofibrate) specifies strict conditions for its storage and disposal to ensure product integrity and safety.


Required Storage Conditions

Requirement Specific Condition
Temperature Limit Do not store above 30 C
Protection Keep in the original package to protect from moisture
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children
Shelf-Life Standard stability is defined for 2 years when stored correctly

Disposal Instructions

Any unused or expired medicinal product or associated waste material must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. This instruction requires adherence to local pharmaceutical waste procedures, preventing disposal in general household waste or wastewater.

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

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