Lopid

The active ingredient in Lopid is gemfibrozil, which is a type of fibrate. The mechanism of action involves aiding in the body's breakdown of fats. It also reduces the liver's production of certain lipids. As a result, the body produces more "good" cholesterol (HDL) and less "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats).

This helps reduce your risk for cardiovascular (heart) disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Lopid. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Lopid:

• Typically, Lopid is given half an hour before breakfast and your evening meal. Pay close attention to your doctor's dosage recommendations.
• Lopid is but one component of a comprehensive therapy plan that may include weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet. Pay strict attention to your exercise, medicine, and nutrition regimens.
• You could require regular medical examinations. Tests can help your doctor decide whether this medication is working, even if you don't have any symptoms.

The most common side effects of gemfibrozil include:

• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal pain.
• Indigestion.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Lightheadedness.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Lopid. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reactions in which your face, tongue, or throat may start to swell up, causing difficulty in breathing (angioedema).
• A serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis, which can cause sudden muscle pain (myopathy), weakness, dark-colored urine during treatment, and serious kidney problems.
• Gallbladder problems, including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis (also known as gallstones).
• Blood disorders, including severe anemia, thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels), and leukopenia (low white blood cell levels).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Lopid. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Lopid, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether any of the following apply:

• Serious liver function.
• Serious renal (kidney) impairment.
• Heart disease.
• Gallbladder disease.
• If you take a statin.
• Gallstones.
• A history of pancreatitis.

-If you take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) is also taken.

• Increased risk of renal dysfunction or liver issues.
• Gallbladder issues.
• You are currently taking dasabuvir, selexipag, repaglinide, or simvastatin.

For gemfibrozil to fully affect your cholesterol levels, you may need to take it for up to three months. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, you should continue taking the drug even if you feel better.

When Lopid is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Colchicine.
• Ezetimibe.
• Enzalutamide.
• A "statin" or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor like atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin.
• Colestipol and other bile acid sequestrates.
• Anticoagulants.
• Dasabuvir.
• Repaglinide.

The usual dosage is 600 mg taken orally twice a day, half an hour before breakfast and half an hour before dinner.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, but if your next dose is almost due, skip the missed one. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Pfizer is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Lopid.

There are several lower-cost generics available.

It is not advised to stop taking Lopid without speaking to your healthcare provider, as it could cause adverse reactions.

It is not known if Lopid is safe to take if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not known if Lopid is safe to take during lactation. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.