The medication is manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.
Lopid has been licensed for several uses, including:
Lopid can actually cause an increase in
LDL cholesterol (
bad cholesterol) for people with very high levels of triglycerides (greater than 400 mg/dL). Therefore, people who have this condition in addition to high LDL cholesterol should use Lopid with extreme caution or not at all.
- Reducing a person's risk of developing coronary heart disease if he or she has low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels in addition to high LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Lopid should be used only if you have already tried to lower your cholesterol (and raise HDL) with diet, exercise, and other cholesterol-lowering medications.
-
Lowering cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol). Lopid can reduce VLDL (very low density lipoprotein cholesterol), apo B (a component of cholesterol that is related to several heart disease risk factors), and, to a lesser extent, total cholesterol and LDL. Lopid also raises HDL.
(Click Lopid Uses for more information on these uses.)
Lopid is part of a class of drugs known as the fibric acid derivatives. It is believed to work by slowing down the production of
triglycerides and
VLDL made in the liver. Lopid also causes an increase in
HDL cholesterol. Depending on the type of cholesterol problem you have, Lopid may decrease
LDL and total
cholesterol levels.
Since Lopid can lower both cholesterol and triglyceride levels while
raising HDL, a person can decrease his or her risk of developing certain health problems in the future.
In previous clinical research studies, people taking Lopid 900-1600 mg daily were able to:
- Reduce triglycerides by 20 to 50 percent
- Raise HDL cholesterol by 10 to 35 percent
- Reduce LDL cholesterol by 5 to 20 percent.*
*In studies where people had triglyceride levels greater than 400 mg/dL, Lopid actually raised LDL levels.
Studies have also shown that people taking Lopid can significantly reduce their risk of coronary
heart disease and sudden cardiac death (
heart attack).
When and How to Take Lopid
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- It comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth twice a day. You are recommended to take it with a glass of water 30 minutes before morning and evening meals.
- If upset stomach occurs, your dosage can be taken with milk or a light snack.
- Lopid should be taken at the same time every day to help maintain an even level of the drug in the blood. Do not take it more often than directed.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As with any drug, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(Click Lopid Dosage for more information about the proper dosing for Lopid.)
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Lopid; but not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. If side effects do occur, most people do not need to stop their medicine.
The most common Lopid side effects include:
Other side effects (occurring in less than 2 percent of people) include, but are not limited to:
Keep in mind that if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you have a fever or feel ill, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. This could be a sign of a serious, life-threatening muscle problem
(see Lopid and Muscle Pain).
(Click Lopid Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Lopid and other possible serious side effects to look out for.)
Drug Interactions With Lopid
There are a number of medications that may potentially interact with Lopid.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Prior to taking Lopid, you should talk with your healthcare provider if you have:
- Gallbladder disease or gallstones
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- An allergy to Lopid, any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
It is also important to let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant (see Lopid and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding
- A frequent user of alcoholic beverages.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you may currently be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click High Cholesterol Risk to determine your cholesterol risk and find out what your LDL cholesterol level should be.)
For most people, Lopid is quite effective and it is also generally well tolerated. But
Lopid side effects can occur, and people may wish to consider a substitute for Lopid. These substitutes could include other fibrates, statins, or other
cholesterol medicines.
People who take too much Lopid may experience the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Joint and muscle pain.
If you happen to overdose on Lopid, seek medical attention immediately.
Lopid should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. It should be protected from light and moisture.
Keep Lopid and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Lopid?
If you forget to take a dose of Lopid, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Never take a double dose of Lopid at one time.
Lopid is available as tablets in one strength -- Lopid 600 mg.
There is a
generic Lopid available. It is sold under the name
Gemfibrozil tablets and is also available in one strength -- gemfibrozil 600 mg.
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