Drug Title

Lopid (Gemfibrozil)

Application

Lopid (also known as a fibrate) combined with diet is used to help reduce fat (triglycerides) and cholesterol in the blood. This drug is usually prescribed after drug treatments that have not been completely successful and is aimed at lowering cholesterol (e.g. diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight). This drug is believed to work by reducing the amount of fat produced by the liver. Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides lowers the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. The drug also helps prevent diseases of the pancreas (pancreatitis) in patients with very high blood levels of triglycerides.

Mode of application

Take the medicine twice a day 30 minutes before meals or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. It is recommended to take it at the same time each day. The full effect of the drug may produce impact within 1-3 months after the beginning of its administration. It is important to continue taking the medication even if you feel well. Most people with high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol do not feel sick.

The mechanism of action

Lopid is a lipid and cholesterol derivative. It lowers triglycerides and raises the level of cholesterol transported in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the blood. HDL cholesterol is sometimes called "good" cholesterol because higher concentrations of HDL cholesterol are associated with reduced risk of heart disease. Reduction of triglycerides is partly due to the reduced release of triglycerides from adipose tissue in the body. One large study has shown that Lopid reduces the risk of heart attacks but does not affect the overall life expectancy of people with high cholesterol.

Missed doses

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If this occurred while taking your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take 2 doses in a row.

Storage

Lopid is to be stored at room temperature and in a dry and warm place.

Precautions

Before taking Lopid, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medication or have any other allergies. Before using the medication, consult the doctor if you have: liver disease (e.g. primary biliary cirrhosis), gallbladder disease or severe kidney disease. Before using the medication, tell your doctor of your medical history, especially of: diabetes, thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism) and alcohol. Rarely developed serious muscle damage (see Side Effects) can often lead to serious kidney problems.

This medicine may increase your risk of developing kidney problems. Before the end of the medication, tell the doctor if you have any of the following conditions: pending surgery, trauma, severe illness (e.g. sepsis, severe metabolic/endocrine / electrolyte disorders), very low blood pressure or uncontrolled cramps. The drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. We do not recommend drinking alcohol while taking the drug.

The medication should be used only when absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether the drug gets into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feed.

Side effects

Stomach upset or pain, dizziness, drowsiness, unusual taste, numbness / tingling of hands / feet, or blurred vision. If any of these effects persist or worsen, you should immediately notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occurs: decreased sexual desire or ability, depression. Tell your doctor immediately if there is any of these unlikely but serious side effects: signs of infection (e.g. fever, sore throat), bleeding, unusual fatigue and irregular heartbeat. The medicine may rarely cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to very serious, possibly fatal, condition called rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking the medication and tell your doctor immediately if you feel: muscle pain / weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), unusual change in amount of urine.

This medicine may rarely cause abdominal problems (e.g. gallstones, gallbladder disease requiring surgery). Stop taking the medication and tell your doctor immediately if you experience: severe stomach / abdominal pain, persistent nausea / vomiting, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual fatigue. Serious allergic reactionы to the drug are very rare but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Additional information

It is not recommended to use the medication with others. Laboratory medical tests (e.g. triglycerides and blood cholesterol levels, liver function tests, complete blood count, fasting blood sugar levels or FBS) should be carried out to periodically monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more information. For best results, the medication should be used along with exercise, diet and weight loss program if you are overweight. In addition, you should check your blood pressure regularly, seek medical help if your blood pressure is high and stop smoking to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.