Lopid
What is Lopid?
Oral tablets for lopid are readily available.
Generic versions of lopid are additionally offered. Drugs that are generic typically cost less than those that are brand-name. They might not always be offered in every strength or form that the brand-name medication is.
Gemfibrozil is used to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with pancreatitis, along with diet and exercise. Other uses for gemfibrozil not covered in this medication guide are possible.
Drug Interactions
There may be interactions between gemfibrozil and different medicines. Inform your doctor of all prescription and non-prescription drugs you are taking. This includes medicines prescribed by other doctors as well as vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. Never begin taking a new medication without first consulting your physician.
If you also take a statin, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), or simvastatin (Zocor), avoid taking gemfibrozil.
If you also take bezafibrate (Bezalip), fenofibrate (Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, Lofibra, Tricor, Triglide), or triglycerides (Lopid), you should avoid taking gemfibrozil.
Avoid combining gemfibrozil with drugs that contain the drug.
Pharmacokinetics
The liver almost entirely breaks down gemfibrozil into two active metabolites, gemfibrozil aldehyde and hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA lyase inhibitors, before it is rapidly absorbed from the digestive tract. Gemfibrozil has a similar pharmacokinetic profile when administered as a single dose or in divided doses.
The best way to take gemfibrozil is.
The first meal of the day, such as breakfast, is the ideal time to take gemfibrozil orally.
A 600 mg twice daily starting dose is typical. Your doctor may increase or decrease your dose up to 900 mg three times per day, depending on how well you respond to treatment.
Never take more or less of this medication than your doctor has advised.
Without consulting your doctor, do not stop taking gemfibrozil.
Side Effects
Gemfibrozil's most typical side effects include:
stomach pain and nausea
vomiting
constipation, heartburn, and gas
weakness or muscle pain from a headache.
Changes in taste, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, skin rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs are less frequent side effects of gemfibrozil. Call your doctor right away if any of these symptoms appear. If you experience any of these indications of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention: Hives, breathing issues, face, lip, tongue, or throat swelling.
If you experience any of these dangerous side effects, call your doctor right away:
Loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, clay-colored stools, nausea, vomiting, upper stomach pain (that could radiate to your back), tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, and muscle pain or weakness accompanied by fever or flu symptoms and dark urine.
There may be additional side effects from gemfibrozil. If you experience any unusual issues while taking this medication, contact your doctor right away.
Dosage and Administration
600 mg twice daily is the typical starting dose of gemfibrozil. Your doctor may change your dose up to 900 mg three times a day depending on how you respond to treatment.
Never use this medication in excess of what your doctor has advised.
Never stop taking gemfidrozil without consulting your doctor first.
Gemfibrozil should be taken as soon as you remember if you miss a dose. Skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not combine two doses into one.
Overdose
Gemfibrozil overdose may be fatal. Call 999 if someone has overdosed and is exhibiting serious symptoms like passing out or having trouble breathing. If not, immediately dial a poison control hotline.
Storage
Store away from heat, moisture, and light at room temperature. Keep out of the bathroom. Keep gemfibrozil out of pets' reach and out of children's reach.