Lopid (Gemfibrozil)

General information

Lopid belongs to the class of medications known as fibrates. It is used to treat high cholesterol. It works by blocking the production of certain types of cholesterol, especially the type known as triglycerides. Lopid is used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. This decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.

Directions

Take Lopid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended adult dose is 600 mg twice daily 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals. The maximum daily recommended dose is 1200 mg. Lopid should be used in combination with lifestyle modifications. It should be taken with a glass of water. It should be taken at the same times every day.

Precautions

Before taking Lopid you should talk with your doctor if you have gallbladder disease, gallstones, kidney disease, kidney failure, liver disease, liver failure, diabetes, heart disease. Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol.

Contraindications

You should not take Lopid if you are allergic to gemfibrozil or to any of the ingredients of the medication, to fenofibrate, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are taking an antidiabetes medication called repaglinide, or if you type 1 hyperlipoproteinemia, severe liver disease, kidney disease, or gallbladder disease.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, stomach pain, gas, heartburn, joint pain, muscle pain, unusual tiredness, weakness, cough, hoarseness, fever, chills, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination, difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes), blurred vision, eye pain, unusual taste in your mouth. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: blood thinners (warfarin), insulin or diabetes medication taken by mouth, cholesterol-lowering drugs (pravastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin), bexarotene, ezetimibe, repaglinide, cyclosporine. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are joint or muscle pain, vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.