Generic Lopid

Lopid is commonly prescribed in its generic form, gemfibrozil. It is mainly used in an effort to assist the body in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, both of which pose a significant health risk factor to patients with high levels of both. Heart disease, strokes, vascular and coronary disease are all risk factors for patients with high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in their blood stream.

Lopid will not be well tolerated by all patients, and should not be prescribed without thorough medical assessment. Patients with liver disease, gall bladder disease, and kidney disease may not be able to tolerate Lopid well, or they may require careful and extensive monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Lopid as a pregnancy risk category C. The actual possible effects on a developing fetus or a nursing baby have not been clearly determined. It is recommended that physicians and patients err on the side of caution and avoid this medication when a patient is pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant.

If the patient accidentally misses a schedule dose, they can simply take the dose as soon as it is possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose of Lopid, they should skip the missed dose and resume dosing practices with the regularly scheduled dose. Patients who take too much of this medication or take their doses too closely together run the risk of an overdose.

In the event that an overdose is suspected, emergency medical care is required promptly. An overdose is not expected to be life threatening, however, diarrhea, headaches, muscles pain, and stomach problems are likely.

Most patients will experience at lest some side effects, especially in the beginning weeks of taking Lopid. Mild side effects generally are no cause for concern, and the patient should simply report their symptoms to the prescribing physician. Often a change in dosage can make side effects more tolerable. Common side effects are likely to include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, indigestion, stomach discomfort, and a loss of sexual drive.

A small percentage of patients may experience more serious side effects. Serious side effects require urgent and prompt medical care. Allergic reactions, which are indicated by swelling of the facial features, throat, and tongue, hives, a respiratory distress, can be life threatening. Other serious side effects include rash and itching, chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heart rhythm, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, jaundice, sores of the mouth and lips, swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet, muscles aches or pain with cramping, chills, fever, and urine in the blood, or clay colored stools.

Lopid will not react well with all medications. Patients should be advised to check with the prescribing physician before taking any type of new medication, including over the counter medicines, prescription medicines, herbal remedies, and vitamin supplements. Medications with known hazardous reactions with Lopid include oral diabetes medication, insulin, blood thinners and anti coagulants, and additional cholesterol managing medications.

Patients should be urged to use care when operating a car or machinery for the first few days until they understand how their new medication will affect them. Patients also need to implement any physician recommended diet and exercise plan, as Lopid does not do well without behavioral changes implemented by the patient. Eating fatty foods while taking this medicine may cause anal leakage and other potentially embarrassing events.