Lopid

Generic name: Gemfibrozil

What is Lopid?

Lopid is a cholesterol-regulating 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). Lopid is also used to reduce the chances of developing coronary artery disease if you are at risk and have not responded to diet and exercise, or to other medications. Lopid can also be used to decrease your very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol), while increasing your high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ("good" cholesterol).

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 known as myositis.

Lopid may increase the risk of developing gallbladder disease, including gallstones.

Lopid can increase your risk of developing cancer; 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 the levels of important cells in your blood, your doctor may take blood samples from you periodically during your first 12 weeks taking Lopid.

Liver injury can occur from taking Lopid. Your doctor may want to check your liver function during your treatment with Lopid.

Use caution taking Lopid if you have kidney disease; Lopid can worsen kidney function.

Who should not take Lopid?

You should not take Lopid if you are currently taking cerivastatin, another medication for cholesterol. You should also not take Lopid if you have liver or severe kidney dysfunction, including primary biliary cirrhosis, pre-existing gallbladder disease, or are hypersensitive to 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 medication 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, muscle aches or weakness, problems with your liver or kidneys, or 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 1200mg 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 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:

Bood-thinning medications (anticoagulants)

Cholesterol-lowering medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors

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: Abdominal pain, acute appendicitis, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, indigestion, nausea/vomiting

Can I receive Lopid if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are nursing. Lopid should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is not known whether Lopid is excreted in breast milk. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lopid?

If you miss a dose of Lopid, do not double your next dose. Skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

How should I store Lopid?

Store Lopid at room temperature and away from light and moisture.