Brand
name: Lopid
Pronounced: LOH-pid
Generic name: Gemfibrozil
Why is Lopid prescribed?
Lopid is prescribed, along with a special diet, for treatment of people
with very high levels of serum triglycerides (a fatty substance in
the blood) who are at risk of developing pancreatitis (inflammation
of the pancreas) and who do not respond adequately to a strict diet.
This drug can also be used to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
in people who have failed to respond to weight loss, diet, exercise,
and other triglyceride- or cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Most important fact about Lopid
Lopid is usually prescribed only if diet, exercise, and weight-loss
fail to bring your cholesterol levels under control. It's important
to remember that Lopid is a supplement--not a substitute--for these
other measures. To get the full benefit of the medication, you need
to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor.
All these efforts to keep your cholesterol levels normal are important
because together they may lower your risk of heart disease.
How should you take Lopid?
Take Lopid 30 minutes before the morning and evening meal, exactly
as prescribed.
If you miss meds dose
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
LOPID (Gemfibrozil) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Lopid.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, acute appendicitis, constipation, diarrhea, eczema, fatigue,
headache, indigestion, nausea/vomiting, rash, vertigo
Why should Lopid not be prescribed?
There is a slight possibility that Lopid may cause malignancy, gallbladder
disease, abdominal pain leading to appendectomy, or other serious,
possibly fatal, abdominal disorders. This drug should not be used by
those who have only mildly elevated cholesterol levels, since the benefits
do not outweigh the risk of these severe side effects.
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Lopid
or similar drugs such as Atromid-S, you should not take this medication.
Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this
medication if you are being treated for severe kidney or liver disorders
or gallbladder disease.
Do not combine Lopid with any of the cholesterol-lowering drugs known
as "statins," including Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol,
and Zocor. This combination increases the danger of serious, muscle-wasting
side effects.
Special warnings about Lopid
Excess body weight and excess alcohol intake may be important risk
factors leading to unusually high levels of fats in the body. Your
doctor will probably want you to lose weight and stop drinking before
he or she tries to treat you with Lopid.
Your doctor will probably do periodic blood level tests during the
first 12 months of therapy with Lopid because of blood diseases associated
with the use of Lopid.
Liver disorders have occurred with the use of Lopid. Therefore, your
doctor will probably test your liver function periodically.
If you are being treated for any disease that contributes to increased
blood cholesterol, such as an overactive thyroid, diabetes, nephrotic
syndrome (kidney and blood vessel disorder), dysproteinemia (excess
of protein in the blood), or obstructive liver disease, consult with
your doctor before taking Lopid.
Lopid should begin to reduce cholesterol levels during the first 3
months of therapy. If your cholesterol is not lowered sufficiently,
Lopid should be discontinued. Therefore, it is important that your
doctor check your progress regularly.
The use of Lopid may cause gallstones leading to possible gallbladder
surgery. If you develop gallstones, your doctor will tell you to stop
taking the drug.
The use of Lopid may be associated with myositis, a muscle disease.
If you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, consult with your
doctor. If myositis is suspected, your doctor will stop treating you
with Lopid.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lopid
To avoid the possibility of severe muscle-wasting side effects, do
not use any of the cholesterol-lowering "statin" drugs while
taking Lopid. Drugs in this category include:
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Fluvastatin (Lescol)
Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Simvastatin (Zocor)
Also be sure to check with your doctor before taking Lopid along with
a blood-thinning drug such as Coumadin. The dosage of the blood-thinner
must be reduced to avoid abnormal bleeding.
You should not start taking Lopid if you are already taking the diabetes
medication Prandin. Conversely, you should not start taking Prandin
if you are already using Lopid. Combining the two drugs could lead
to a dangerous drop in blood sugar. However, if you're already taking
both drugs, the doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels closely
and adjust the dosages as needed.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of LOPID (Gemfibrozil) during pregnancy have not been
adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant,
inform your doctor
immediately. This medication causes tumors in animals, and it could
have an effect on nursing infants. If Lopid is essential to your health,
your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your
treatment with Lopid is finished.
Recommended dosage for Lopid / Gemfibrozil
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.
* Symptoms of Lopid overdose may include:
Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting
