Lopid
Generic Name: Gemfibrozil
What is Lopid?
Lopid is a cholesterol-lowering medication. It is used to lower the levels of triglycerides in your blood when diet and exercise alone have not lowered them enough and when you are at risk for pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).What is the most important information I should know about Lopid?
Taking Lopid is not a substitute for following a healthy, low-fat and low-cholesterol diet and exercising to lower your cholesterol.If you experience any muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness while taking Lopid, contact you doctor immediately. These can be signs of a rare but serious muscle disease. You may be at a greater risk of this if you are also taking another cholesterol-lowering medication known as a statin.
Lopid may increase the risk of developing cancer and gallbladder disease, including gallstones; discuss your individual risk with your doctor.
If you are taking a blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant), Lopid may affect the drug's levels in your blood. Your doctor may monitor you by performing blood tests and may decrease the dose of the anticoagulant.
Because Lopid can cause changes in your blood, your doctor may take blood samples from you periodically during your first 12 weeks of taking Lopid.
Liver injury can occur from taking Lopid. Your doctor may want to check your liver function during your treatment with Lopid.
Lopid can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
Who should not take Lopid?
You should not take Lopid if you are currently taking repaglinide, a medication used for diabetes. You should also not take Lopid if you have liver or severe kidney disease, or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Lopid.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Lopid?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Lopid. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of gallstones, cancer, diabetes, blood disorders, muscle aches or weakness, problems with your liver or kidneys, or if you are taking blood-thinning medications.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: The usual dose is 1,200 milligrams (mg) a day split into two doses; one taken in the morning and the other in the evening.
How should I take Lopid?
You should take Lopid 30 minutes before a meal, preferably in the morning and evening.What should I avoid while taking Lopid?
You should avoid drinking any alcohol, as it may increase your triglyceride levels and cause liver injury.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Lopid?
If Lopid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lopid with the following: blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), cholesterol-lowering medications called statins, or repaglinide.What are the possible side effects of Lopid?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: inflammation of your appendix, abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, nausea/vomiting
Can I receive Lopid if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Lopid during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Lopid?
If you miss a dose of Lopid, do not take two doses at once. Skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.How should I store Lopid?
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
