Lopid which is also known as Gemfibrozil, is mainly used with a proper diet which helps in lowering the fats and also the cholesterol in blood.
Gemfibrozil
£ 1.52Drug Uses
Lopid, also known as fibrate medication, can be used with a proper diet in order to lower the fats (triglycerides) along with the cholesterol in blood. This drug is generally prescribed following a non-drug treatment option which may not have been fully successful at lowering the cholesterol. This drug works mainly by decreasing the quantity of fat formed by the liver. Reducing the cholesterol as well as the triglycerides lowers the danger of any heart disease and also seeks to prevent strokes as well as heart attacks. The drug also is useful in preventing pancreatitis especially in patients with very high blood levels of triglycerides.
Usage
Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.
It is advisable to take Lopid 30 minutes before your morning as well as your evening meals.
Please drink a full glass of water with Lopid.
It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.
Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Lopid is known to be a lipid- and cholesterol-modifying medicine. It seeks to reduce the triglycerides and increase the cholesterol carried mainly in high density lipoprotein (HDL) in blood. This HDL cholesterol is occasionally referred to as "good" cholesterol because of the higher concentrations of HDL cholesterol in blood which are further associated with a reduced danger of heart disease. This decrease in triglycerides is thought to be done so as to reduce the excessive release of triglycerides from the fat tissues in body. In one study, Lopid was successful in decreasing the risk of heart attacks. However it did not affect the general survival of patients with high cholesterol levels.
Missed Dose
Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.
Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.
Storage
Store Lopid at room temperature preferably between 20 to 25 degrees C. Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.
Warning/Precautions
Doctors advise against using Lopid if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have certain special conditions.
Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.
Your condition might be monitored or the dosage might be modified to suit you if you have conditions like liver or gallbladder disease or even any severe kidney problems, even under active thyroid, diabetes and alcohol use.
Lopid may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Lopid. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).
You must seek medical care in the event of any major surgery, trauma or serious illness along with very low blood pressure and uncontrolled seizures.
Pregnancy Info
If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Lopid to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.
If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then you must not take the dosage of Lopid as it is known to affect the breast milk. Seek medical consultation before using Lopid.