* Generic Name: gemfibrozil
* Brand Name: Lopid
* What is gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
* What are the possible side effects of gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
* How should I take gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Lopid)?
* What happens if I overdose (Lopid)?
* What should I avoid while taking gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
* What other drugs will affect gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
* Where can I get more information (Lopid)?
What is gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
Gemfibrozil helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides
(fatty acids) in the blood. High levels of these types of fat in
the blood are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis
(clogged arteries).
Gemfibrozil is used together with diet to treat very high
cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with pancreatitis.
Gemfibrozil is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart
attack, or other heart complications in certain people with high
cholesterol and triglycerides who have not been helped by other
treatment methods.
Gemfibrozil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
In rare cases, gemfibrozil can cause a condition that results in the
breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure.
Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain,
tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual
tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
* sharp pain in your upper stomach (especially after eating);
* jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
* pain or burning when you urinate;
* blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; or
* pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling
light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, purple or red
pinpoint spots under your skin.
Common side effects may include:
* stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhea;
* numbness or tingly feeling;
* dizziness, drowsiness;
* blurred vision;
* muscle or joint pain; or
* loss of interest in sex, impotence.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about gemfibrozil
(Lopid)?
You should not take gemfibrozil if you have severe liver or kidney
disease, gallbladder disease, or if you are also taking repaglinide
(Prandin), dasabuvir (Viekira Pak), or simvastatin
(Zocor, Vytorin, Juvisync, Simcor).
Lopid Patient Information including How Should I Take
Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gemfibrozil
(Lopid)?
You should not use gemfibrozil if you are allergic to it, if you have:
* severe liver disease;
* severe kidney disease;
* gallbladder disease; or
* if you are also taking repaglinide (Prandin), dasabuvir (Viekira
Pak), or simvastatin (Zocor, Vytorin, Juvisync, Simcor).
To make sure gemfibrozil is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
ever had:
* gallstones; or
* if you also take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
It is not known whether gemfibrozil will harm an unborn baby. Tell your
doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether gemfibrozil passes into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking
gemfibrozil.
How should I take gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
Gemfibrozil is usually taken twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast
and dinner.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Gemfibrozil is only part of a treatment program that may also include
diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's
instructions very closely.
While using gemfibrozil, you may need frequent blood tests to check
your liver function. Your kidney function may also need to be tested.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Lopid Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol Levels Slideshow
Lowering Cholesterol:15 Tips for Avoiding Heart Disease
Lowering Cholesterol Slideshow Pictures
RxList
High Cholesterol Quiz
What happens if I miss a dose (Lopid)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Lopid)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Gemfibrozil
will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not
follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may interfere with your treatment.
What other drugs will affect gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. Certain other drugs
can increase your risk of serious muscle problems, and it is very
important that your doctor knows if you are using any of them:
* colchicine; or
* a "statin" cholesterol-lowering medicine--atorvastatin
(Lipitor, Caduet), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin
(Mevacor, Altoprev, Advicor), pitavastatin
(Livalo), (pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin
(Crestor), or simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin).
Many drugs can interact with gemfibrozil, and some drugs should not be
used together. This includes prescription and over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions
are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all
medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your
treatment with gemfibrozil. Give a list of all your medicines to any
healthcare provider who treats you.
Where can I get more information (Lopid)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about gemfibrozil.
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