Lopid (Gemfibrozil)

Description

Lopid is used to reduce triglycerides in the blood stream and raise the good cholesterol levels in the body. Lopid belongs to a family of drugs called fibrates. The main composition of Lopid is gemfibrozil.

 

Uses

 

Lopid is prescribed to individuals who have elevated levels of triglycerides in their system. This medication reduces the fat levels in the bloodstream by decreasing the amount of fat that is yielded by the liver. This decreases the level of cholesterol in the body.

 

The best results are achieved when this medication is paired with a healthier diet.

 

The effect of Lopid on the levels of triglycerides may reduce the likelihood of developing pancreatitis. There are certain cases where Lopid may diminish the possibility of having a stroke or a heart attack. Contact your doctor to see if this would be an appropriate treatment for your condition.

 

Dosage

 

Always follow the prescription that your doctor has provided for you. Do not take Lopid in greater or smaller doses than you have been instructed to.

 

This medication should be taken orally.

 

The recommended dose for adults is a total of 1200 mg of Lopid. This quantity should be split into two equal doses.

 

The first dose of 600 mg should be taken half an hour before your morning meal. The second dose of 600 mg should be taken thirty minutes before your evening meal.

 

There are some other cholesterol lowering drugs that may inhibit the effect of Lopid. If you have been prescribed colestipol or cholestyramine for your cholesterol, you need to consume Lopid at least an hour before these drugs.

 

You can also choose to take them at least four or five hours after consuming the other drugs.

 

If you missed a dose, take 600mg of Lopid as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due soon, refrain from taking the missed dose and take the scheduled dose instead. Do not combine the two doses together.

 

In case of Lopid overdose, contact emergency services.

 

Side Effects

 

The most common side effects reported while taking Lopid were:

 

 Discomfort in the bladder
 Discomfort while urinating
 Increase in urge to urinate
 Blood in urine
 Throat irritation or cough
 Fever
 Body pain especially on the back and sides

 

Less frequently reported side effects were:

 

 Discomfort in the chest
 Unusual bowel movements
 Dark urine
 Digestion problems and pain
 Muscle discomfort
 Decrease in muscle tissue
 Fatigue
 Difficulty breathing especially after intense activity
 Lumps on face, limbs, or genital region
 Nausea
 Wounds in and around the oral cavity
 Unusual discoloring of skin or bleeding

 

Contact your physician immediately if your experience any of these side-effects.

 

Contraindications

 

 Lopid is not recommended to be taken by pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. Contact your physician for more information.

 

 Inform your doctor if you are allergic to fibrates. It is a key ingredient in Lopid. Tell your doctor of any other sensitivities you may have. This medication may contain other ingredients that you may be allergic to.

 

 Consuming alcohol while taking Lopid may inhibit its effects.

 

 Lopid may negatively interact with blood thinning drugs or other medications used to treat cholesterol. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking before you are prescribed Lopid.

 

 Lopid may also affect how certain other drugs function. It can inhibit the role of medications used to treat hepatitis C.

 

 Your doctor should have your complete medical history especially if you have been diagnosed with cirrhosis, gallbladder ailments, or kidney disease. Also tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol abuse.