Lopid

Lopid is used to treat hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Both these conditions mean that there is a raised fat level in the blood. It is often used in combination with proper diet.

It is also used to prevent pancreatitis which is caused by high levels of triglycerides in the blood. Gemfibrozil may also be used to prevent certain types of heart problems in patients with risk factors for heart problems.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:
• Capsule
• Tablet

Before using Lopid, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Every medicine has potential side effects. So, the benefits of a drug should always be weighed against its associated risks. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them.

Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

Age-specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. Its safety and efficacy have not been established in children

The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not been carried out, that would limit the use of this drug in old age group. However, elderly patients are more prone to getting kidney problems.

Pregnancy: Regarding the safety of usage of this drug during pregnancy, it comes under “C” category, which means that clinical trials on animals have revealed harmful effects to the developing fetus or relevant studies have not been performed.

Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand, certain drugs are allowed to be used together.

So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug.

This medication should be taken cautiously with following drugs:

• Atorvastatin
• Colchicine
• Bexarotene
• Dabrafenib
• Ezetimibe
• Eltrombopag
• Enzalutamide
• Imatinib
• Fluvastatin
• Pitavastatin
• Lovastatin
• Rosuvastatin
• Pravastatin
• Selexipag

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco.

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from: 

• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid)
• Liver disease (including cirrhosis)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
• Gallbladder disease
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, history of—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
• Kidney disease

To use Lopid properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

In addition to this medication, the doctor will also recommend you to change your diet that is low in fat, sugar, and cholesterol. Carefully follow your doctor's order about any special diet.

This medicine is usually taken two times a day. If you are taking two doses per day, it is best to take the medicine 30 minutes before your breakfast and evening meal.

To avoid adverse effects, this drug should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not overuse or misuse this drug and do not use it longer than the recommended time. Read all the instructions mentioned in the medication guide.

Do not miss any dose. The dose of this drug varies according to the condition of each person. The number of doses per day, the time interval between the doses and the length of time you have to take the medicine depends on your condition individually and all these factors should only be determined by your healthcare provider.

Follow each and every instruction of your doctor and also read the label carefully.

In case you miss one dose of this drug, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your subsequent dose, you can then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Storage: This medicine should be stored at room temperature within a closed container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. Do not store expired or outdated medicines or the medicine no longer needed.

Before using Lopid, there are some precautions you must take.

This medication should not be used with repaglinide or simvastatin. Using these medicines together may cause serious unwanted effects.

Gemfibrozil can increase your risk of having gallstones. Check with your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting.

Check with your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have unusual tiredness or a fever. These could be symptoms of a serious muscle problem called myopathy.

Regular follow-up is necessary during and after the treatment. It is important to allow your doctor to monitor the triglyceride levels and to make sure that there aren’t any side effects from the medication.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment. The doctor may order some blood tests in order to determine the blood levels of the drug.

Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Lopid to avoid unwanted potential side effects.

All drugs have a tendency to cause unwanted effects along with its desired effects. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with following side effects:

• bloody or cloudy urine
• bladder pain
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• a cough or hoarseness
• fever or chills
• lower back or side pain
• frequent urge to urinate
• chest pain
• black, tarry stools
• dark-colored urine
• muscle cramps or spasms
• indigestion
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• muscle pain or stiffness
• pale skin
• muscular pain, tenderness, wasting, or weakness
• shortness of breath
• severe nausea or vomiting
• sore throat
• stomach pain
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swollen glands
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• troubled breathing with exertion
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on this medication. Also, contact your healthcare professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug.

If any of these side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away, contact your doctor.