What is Lopid (Gemfibrozil)?

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 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 people with high cholesterol and triglycerides who have not been helped by other treatment methods.
Gemfibrozil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Lopid (Gemfibrozil)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gemfibrozil, if you are also taking repaglinide (Prandin), or if you have gallbladder disease, liver disease, or severe kidney disease.
Gemfibrozil is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
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.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as sharp pain in your upper stomach (especially after eating), jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes), blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights, or pain or burning when you urinate.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lopid (Gemfibrozil)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gemfibrozil, if you are also taking repaglinide (Prandin), or if you have:

• liver disease
• severe kidney disease; or
• gallbladder disease

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether gemfibrozil is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether gemfibrozil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Lopid Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Lopid (Gemfibrozil)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
* sharp pain in your upper stomach (especially after eating)
* jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
* blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; or
* pain or burning when you urinate
Less serious side effects may include:
* heartburn, upset stomach
* nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain
* dizziness, spinning sensation
* drowsiness, tired feeling
* unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth
* cough or cold symptoms
* numbness or tingly feeling
* joint or muscle pain
* mild skin rash; or
* blurred vision
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.

Lopid Interactions

What other drugs affect Lopid (Gemfibrozil)?

Before taking this gemfibrozil, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth; or
• another cholesterol-lowering drug such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL), and others

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with gemfibrozil. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Lopid (Gemfibrozil)?

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.

Lopid Dosage

How should I take Lopid (Gemfibrozil)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Gemfibrozil is usually taken twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
It is important to use gemfibrozil regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Gemfibrozil is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Store gemfibrozil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Lopid (Gemfibrozil)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and joint or muscle pain.

What happens if I miss a dose of Lopid (Gemfibrozil)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com