Generic name: Gemfibrozil
Brand name: Lopid
General Information:
Lopid is a blood lipid and cholesterol-modifying medicament. It works by helping to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood. Lopid is recommended to treat very high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with pancreatitis. It also helps to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other heart complications in people with high cholesterol and triglycerides.
Your doctor may prescribe this remedy for other purposes. Contact your physician if you need to learn more information about this drug.
Don’t stop treatment with Lopid earlier than it was prescribed by your doctor even if you notice improvements of your condition. Stopping the medication too early may worsen your condition. Be careful about doing dangerous tasks, driving, operating machinery or climbing until you are aware how this drug affects you. Don’t drink alcohol. Always contact a medic before giving Lopid to a child.
What symptoms or conditions should I report to a doctor before I take this medicine?
It is important to report to a doctor if you have or had the following conditions:
- allergy to Lopid, other medicines, foods, preservatives, dyes or any allergies especially to sulfa drugs
- liver or kidney disease
- heart problems
- gout
- mineral/electrolyte problems (e.g., imbalance of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium)
- diabetes
- severe loss of body fluids (dehydration through excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea)
- asthma
- pregnancy, breast-feeding, trying to get pregnant
Warning:
don’t take the remedy if you have allergy to hydrochlorothiazide or if you are unable to urinate
How do I take this medicine?
Note: This remedy was prescribed to you only. Don’t share this medicament with others. Follow strictly your doctor’s recommendations. Don’t take more or longer than your doctor recommended.
Lopid is taken by mouth usually 2 times per day, 30 minutes before your breakfast or supper or as directed by your doctor. Take the doses at fixed intervals.
Overdosage:
Taking any medicine in large doses you can have serious consequences for your health. If you feel an overdose, contact your health care professional instantly.
In large doses, this remedy may cause the following conditions: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, joint or muscle pain.
What should be done if I missed the dose?
In case you forgot to take the dose, take it at your earliest opportunity. Never double your dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Take only one dose at once.
Interaction:
- a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- insulin or diabetes medication taken by mouth
- another cholesterol-lowering drug such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL), and others
This list of interactions may be not complete. Provide your medical practitioners entire list of medicines, herbs, dietary supplements or non-prescription drugs you take. Moreover tell them whether you drink alcohol, use illegal drugs or smoke. Particular items may interact with your drug.
Which side effects can I perceive from this remedy?
Contact your physician immediately if you notice any of the following serious side effects:
- allergy like skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, hives, itching, difficulty breathing
- eye pain, sharp pain in your upper stomach (especially after eating)
- blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights
- pain or burning when you urinate
- jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
Side effects which usually do not need medical awareness (make known to your doctor if they remain or are troubling):
- heartburn, upset stomach
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain
- dizziness, spinning sensation
- drowsiness, tired feeling
- unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth
- cold or cough symptoms
- tingly feeling or numbness
- muscle or joint pain
- mild skin rash
- blurred vision
This list of side effects may be not complete, others may occur. Inform your medical practitioners about all side effects you experience.
Important Information:
You may see positive results in 1-3 months. Contact your physician according the use of Lopid during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Avoid standing or sitting up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This lowers the dizzy or fainting spells risk.
Storage:
Lopid should be stored at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F), in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Lopid out of the reach of children and away from animals.
Warning: Before taking the drug you need to consult your doctor. The information contained in this article is not intended to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, directions, uses, allergic reactions or warnings.
He knows everything about medications – to which pharmacological group the drug belongs, what components are included in its composition, how it differs from its analogs, what indications, contraindications, and side effects remedy has. John is a real pro in his field, so he knows all these subtleties and wants to tell you about them.