Lopid is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and
fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty
substances in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along
the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis)
decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart,
brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of
cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (chest
pain), strokes, and heart attacks.
Gemfibrozil
is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
How
should Lopid be used?
Lopid comes in tablets and capsules to take by mouth. It usually is
taken twice a day, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask
your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take Gemfibrozil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of
it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue
to take Lopid even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Gemfibrozil
without talking to your doctor.
tell your doctor and pharmacist
if you are allergic to Lopid or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
such as warfarin (Coumadin) and vitamins. If you take insulin or
oral diabetes medications, your dose may need to be changed because
Lopid can increase the amount of sugar in your blood. Talk to your
doctor before changing your dose.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had ulcers; diabetes;
or gallbladder, kidney, or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Gemfibrozil,
call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor
or dentist that you are taking Lopid.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What
side effects can Lopid cause?
Although side effects from Lopid are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
stomach pain
diarrhea
constipation
vomiting
gas
headache
dizziness
blurred vision
flushing
If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
muscle pain
weakness
What storage conditions are needed for Lopid?
Keep Gemfibrozil in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response
to Lopid.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask
your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
