Lopid may be prescribed to you if your levels of serum triglycerides are too high. It will also be recommended for patients who may develop pancreatitis. It can also be used to lower your cholesterol, or for patients who are at risk of getting a coronary heart disease. The generic brand for Lopid is Gemfibrozil.

If diet, weight loss and exercise don’t bring your cholesterol levels down then Lopid may be prescribed to you. Lopid is a supplement, not a means of losing weight or a substitute for exercise. Sticking to a healthy diet and exercise plan and taking Lopid daily will help to keep your cholesterol levels normal and lower your chances of getting heart disease.

Lopid is a medication that you will take twice a day. You will take it thirty minutes before breakfast and dinner. Should you forget to take a dosage and remember later that you had forgotten simply take it when you do remember. If you remember to take your missed dosage around the time you should be taking your next one, skip the one you missed. Never take two doses at one time.

Some patients suffer side effects when taking Lopid. Inform your doctor if you feel any of the following conditions: headache, nausea, indigestion, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea or fatigue. Other side effect may include fainting spells, hives, dizziness, itching, muscle weakness, decreased sexual drive, confusion, anemia, convulsions or blurred vision.

Lopid may cause gallbladder disease, malignancy or possible fatal abdominal disorders. If your cholesterol levels are only mildly elevated then Lopid is not the prescription for you. Never combine Lopid with other cholesterol-lowering drugs such Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol or Zocor. Taking Lopid with any of those medications may increase your chances of “muscle wasting side effects.” Be sure to let your doctor or pharmacist know of any other prescribed medications you are taking.

If you are overweight, your doctor may want you to lose weight before going on Lopid. Your doctor will also want you to stop drinking alcohol. For the first twelve months of being on Lopid your doctor will most likely do periodic blood tests to check for blood diseases that could occur when taking Lopid. Your doctor will also check your liver since liver disorders have been known to occur while taking Lopid.
Because Lopid causes tumors in animals, it is suggested that women who are pregnant or plan to conceive should not take it. If you are breastfeeding then your doctor may suggest that you stop breastfeeding while taking Lopid.

Be sure to store Lopid at room temperature.

Lopid is recommended for adults. Older adults should use caution when using Lopid. Its effectiveness has yet to be determined for children.