Lopid (Gemfibrozil)

Lopid: What Is It?

Lopid is a member of the fibrates drug class, which regulates fats (lipids). It raises good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers lipids, or bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, in your blood.

Lopid stops the process of atherosclerosis, or the accumulation of lipids and cholesterol along the artery walls, obstructing blood flow to essential organs. It lowers the risk of angina (chest discomfort), heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease. Men who do not have "bad cholesterol" may benefit from Lopid when other medications (statins) are not an option.

Studies show lipid-regulating effects of Lopid, which reduces serum triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol. 

Lopid should be used with other strategies, such as exercise, dietary modifications, and weight loss, to reduce body fat.

Before Taking Lopid

If you meet any of the following criteria, avoid using Lopid:

• hypersensitivity (allergy) to components of Lopid, such as Gemfibrozil or other medications that regulate lipids;
• hepatic illness;
• serious renal illness;
• past medical history of gallbladder disease (biliary tract disease), bile, and gallstones;
• phototoxicity or photoallergy, an allergic reaction brought on by exposure to sunlight when receiving fibrates;
• if you take repaglinide (a medication used to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes) around this time.

Use Lopid with Extra Caution

To assist your doctor in determining whether Lopid is suitable for you, let them know whether you suffer from any of the following conditions:

1. Moderate to mild renal disease.
2. Thyroid that is not working correctly, an underactive thyroid.
3. A history of congenital muscular diseases, a prior history of muscle discomfort and weakness (muscular toxicity) with another fibrate, high risk of muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis).
4. Kidney impairment.
5. Being older than 70 years.
6. Excessive alcohol use.
7. Diabetes.
8. If you now take or have recently taken any other medications, even over-the-counter ones.

Interactions

Kindly inform your physician or pharmacist if you take any of the following prescription drugs:

• anti-diabetic drugs, especially repaglinide or rosiglitazone (used to assist lower blood sugar levels);
• anticoagulants, such as warfarin (blood thinners);
• statins, such as atorvastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin, are medications that decrease bad cholesterol and triglycerides while raising good cholesterol;
• colestipol resin granules are used to treat elevated blood fat (cholesterol) levels;
• bexarotene is a drug used to treat skin cancer.

Please let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are taking or have recently taken any additional medications, including over-the-counter medications.

Being Pregnant and Nursing

It is advised that you wait to take Lopid when pregnant unless required. If you are attempting to get pregnant or are already pregnant, let your doctor know.

It is advised that you wait to take Lopid during nursing unless required. Consult your physician or pharmacist before taking any medication while nursing a baby.

Driving a Car or Using Equipment

Rarely, Lopid may impair vision and create vertigo; in such an event, avoid using machinery or driving. If you feel healthy, you can operate machinery or drive a car.

How to Take Lopid

Your blood lipid levels will be routinely checked and attentively observed both before and during your Lopid treatment. Before beginning medication, your doctor will attempt to treat any diabetic or thyroid issues you may have. Additionally, your doctor will counsel you on maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, quitting smoking, consuming less alcohol, and, if needed, decreasing weight.

It is best to take lipitor orally. The tablets taste bad if you break them, so it's best to swallow the capsules or tablets with a glass of water.

Adults and Senior Citizens

Starting doses typically range from 900 to 1200 mg per day. The ideal dosage for you will be determined by your physician. Observe the directions provided on the label.

If a 1200 mg dosage is recommended, you must take one 600 mg tablet 30 minutes before breakfast and another 600 mg tablet 30 minutes before dinner.

Should a 900mg dosage be recommended, the three 300mg capsules must be taken thirty minutes before your evening meal.

Adults Suffering From Moderate to Mild Kidney Disease

Both before and during your Lopid therapy, your doctor will evaluate your health. Until you react to treatment, your daily dosage of 900 mg may be increased to 1200 mg.

It is not advised for kids to use Lipitor.

If You Consumed Too Many Tablets or Capsules

If you unintentionally took more pills or capsules than you should have, call your doctor right away or visit the accident and emergency room of the closest hospital. Whether Lopid is left or not, always carry the medication package with the labels on it.

If You Miss a Dose

Stay calm if you miss a dosage. Take the following dose at the appropriate time. It is not recommended to take two dosages at once.

Potential Negative Effects

Although not everyone experiences adverse effects from Lopid, they can occur. While severe allergic reactions are extremely uncommon, if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking Lopid, you should call your doctor right away:

• any abrupt wheezing, dizziness, trouble breathing, or swelling in the lips, throat, eyes, or face;
• skin near the lips, eyes, and genitalia, peeling and scorching;
• a rash that covers your entire body;
• weakness or weakness of the muscles, along with black urine, fever, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, and puffiness of the face.

Typical Side Effects

(Appear in less than 10% of cases): indigestion; vertigo, the sensation of spinning or wavering; headache; stomach ache; diarrhoea; wind; feeling unwell; being ill; constipation; rash (especially one that is swollen or itchy); fatigue.

Rare Side Effects

(Less than 1 in 100 patients experience this): irregular pulse rate.

Uncommon Side Effects

(Happen in fewer than one patient per 1,000): chronic fatigue; issues with bruising and bleeding; blurred vision; depression; decreased libido; pancreatitis; jaundice (yellowing of the skin); hair loss; appendicitis; painful joints; muscle disease (myopathy); muscle weakness; painful muscles; rhabdomyolysis; impotence; and photosensitivity (sensitivity to light that can cause skin discoloration or rash).

Please notify your doctor if any side effects worsen or you experience any that are not in this leaflet.

How to Keep Lopid

Until they are ready for use, the unopened packs should be kept in their original container.

Please keep the original packaging and store it below 25°C to keep moisture out.

Keep out of children's eyes and reach.

Additional Information

What's in Lopid

300 mg of Gemfibrozil is the active ingredient in Lopid capsules. N-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, industrial methylated spirit 740P, polysorbate (E433), colloidal silica, maize starch, gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171), erythrosine (E127), anthocyanin (E132), shellac glaze, iron oxide black (E172), and purified water are the remaining ingredients.

Gemfibrozil 600 mg is the active ingredient in Lopid pills. The remaining ingredients include magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (E464), titanium dioxide (E171), talc (E553b), polydimethylsiloxane, sodium starch glycollate, pregelatinized starch, colloidal silica (anhydrous) (E551), Polysorbate 80 (E433), and polyethylene glycol 6000.

How Lopid Looks Like and What's in the Pack

Lopid, 300 mg capsules, have a rigid gelatin body with a maroon cap and a white opaque body with fine white powder.

The white, oval-shaped film-coated tablet of Lopid 600mg. It comes in packets with 56 tablets, each packed in clear PVC blister strips with aluminum foil.