Lopid

Gemfibrozil capsule What does this drug do? People who are at risk for inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) because they have a lot of fat in their blood can take GEMFIBROZIL to lower their blood fats and cholesterol. This medicine is only for people who can't control their blood fats through diet. What should my doctor know about this medicine before I take it? They need to know if any of these things are true about you: cataracts gallbladder disease Heart trouble Illness in the kidneys or liver a reaction to gemfibrozil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives that is unusual or allergic. pregnant or attempting to get pregnant breast-feeding What is the best way to take this medicine? You should swallow this medicine with a glass of water. Take this medicine half an hour before eating. Take your dosages at regular intervals. Don't take your medicine more than the instructions say. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor or other health care provider tells you to. Talk to your child's doctor about giving this medicine to a child. There may be a need for extra care. Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine, call an emergency room or poison control center right away. NOTE: Only you can take this medicine. Don't give this medicine to anyone else. What if I forget to take one? If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, take only that dose. Do not take duplicate or additional dosages. What could go wrong if I take this medicine? Do not take this medicine if you are also: bexarotene, ezetimibe, and other cholesterol medicines like clofibrate and fenofibrate, repaglinide, and statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs like atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, or simvastatin. This medicine could also react badly with: red yeast rice warfarin This list might not include all possible ways for people to interact. Give your doctors a list of all the medications, herbs, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements you take. Tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some things may change how your medicine works. What should I watch out for while taking this medicine? Check in with your doctor or other health care provider often to see how you're doing. From time to time, your blood fats and other things will be checked. This medicine is just one part of a larger plan to lower cholesterol. Your doctor or dietitian can recommend a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet that will lower your risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Don't drink or smoke, and make sure you exercise regularly. If you have diabetes, controlling and watching your blood sugar levels closely can help your blood fat levels. This medicine could change how your diabetes medicine works, and you may need to change your doses. Check with your doctor or someone else who knows about health care. You may become tired or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything else that requires you to be mentally alert until you know how this drug affects you. Don't stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This makes it less likely that you will get dizzy or pass out. What are the possible side effects of this medicine? You should tell your doctor or other health care professional as soon as possible if you have any of the following side effects: cold or flu-like symptoms urine that is dark yellow or brown Pain in the lower back or sides muscle pain pain or trouble going to the bathroom stomach pain with feeling sick and being sick unusual tiredness eyes or skin that are yellow Side effects that usually don't need medical help (but you should tell your doctor or health care provider if they keep happening or bother you): Vision isn't clear less sexual desire or function headache heartburn, gas in the stomach This list may not describe all possible side effects. Where can I store my pills? Keep out of children's reach. Keep at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep away from light and water. After the expiration date, throw away any medicine that hasn't been used.