Lopid

The exact way that Gemfibrozil works to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood is not known. High levels of fat in the blood are associated with an increased chance of heart disease, strokes, and other illnesses. Gemfibrozil is used to lower high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

Synonyms: Bolutol, Cholespid, Decrelip, Fibratol, Fibrocit, Genlip, Hipolixan, Jezil

What is the most important information I should know about Lopid?

* Follow any special diet and exercise plan recommended by your doctor while taking this medication. Diet and exercise are important factors in regulating cholesterol.

What is Lopid?

* The exact way that Lopid works to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood is not known. High levels of fat in the blood are associated with an increased chance of heart disease, strokes, and other illnesses.
* Lopid is used to lower high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
* Lopid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lopid?

* Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
o liver disease;
o kidney disease; or
o gallbladder disease.
* You may not be able to take Lopid, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
* Lopid is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Lopid will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
* It is not known whether Lopid passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Lopid?

* Take Lopid exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
* Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
* Lopid is usually taken twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. Follow your doctor's instructions.
* It is important to take Lopid regularly to get the most benefit.
* Do not stop taking Lopid unless directed by your doctor. It may take up to 3 months for you to see the effects of this medication.
* Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Lopid to monitor progress and side effects.
* Store Lopid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

* Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

* An overdose of this medication is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room or poison control left for advice.
* Symptoms of a Lopid overdose may include diarrhea, headache, and muscle pain.

What should I avoid while taking Lopid?

* Follow any special diet and exercise plan recommended by your doctor while taking this medication. Diet and exercise are important factors in regulating cholesterol.
* Use caution driving, operating machinery, and performing other hazardous activities until you know how Lopid affects you. It may cause some drowsiness or dizziness, especially at the start of therapy.

What are the possible side effects of Lopid?

* If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Lopid and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
o an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
o chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat;
o nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or clay-colored stools;
o yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice);
o rash or itching;
o sores in the mouth or on your lips;
o swollen legs or feet;
o chills, fever, or blood in the urine; or
o muscle aches, pain, or cramping.
* Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Lopid and talk to your doctor if you experience
o indigestion;
o headache, dizziness, or drowsiness; or
o decreased sex drive.
* Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Lopid?

* Lopid may increase the effects of the following drugs, which could lead to dangerous side effects:
o an anticoagulants (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);
o insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as chlorpropamide (Diabenese), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, DiaBeta, Glynase), tolbutamide (Orinase), tolazamide (Tolinase), and acetohexamide (Dymelor), and others; or
o another cholesterol-lowering drug such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL).
* You may not be able to take Lopid, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the drugs listed above.
* Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Lopid. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.