Lopid

The generic name for Lopid is Gemfibrozil, and is primarily used to regulate high levels of blood cholesterol and triglyceride. From this definition alone, it is obvious that Lopid is used in treating high blood pressure and other related medical conditions. But what is Lopid exactly for? And how does it work?

In order to answer these questions, you first have to understand what Gemfibrozil is for. Gemfibrozil is the active component in Lopid, and acts as an antihyperlipidemic agent. Its main target is the liver, which produces triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This type of cholesterol is actually the bad one. What Lopid actually does is that it lowers the levels of these substances produced by the liver. On top of that, Lopid also enhances the blood levels of good cholesterol. This “good cholesterol” is actually known as HDL, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Before you do decide to take Lopid, there are certain medical conditions that you should be wary about. If you have had liver disease, gallbladder disease, or kidney disease, it would be better for you to inform your physician of these medical conditions.

Lopid belongs in the FDA pregnancy category C. This indicates that it is not really known whether or not Lopid can cause any harmful effects on an unborn baby. Thus, if you are pregnant, or suspect that you might be pregnant, don’t just take Lopid right away. You have to consult your physician before taking it.

If you are fit to take Lopid, make sure to follow your physician’s instructions when administering the dosages. Just like any other medication, it is better to take Lopid with a full glass of water. Generally, Lopid is taken two times a day, unless specified otherwise by your physician. But Lopid is normally taken before breakfast and dinner. Upon taking Lopid, do not eat your meals just yet. Make sure to allot a period of thirty minutes before you take your meals. Lopid should be taken according to schedule, in order for the medication to be at its most effective. If you do start feeling better, do not stop taking Lopid just yet. You have to finish the whole treatment prescribed. Sudden absence of the drug can cause Lopid side effects. Normally, it takes a period of three months for the drug to reach its full effects.

Lopid, just like any other drug in the market, has its own share of side effects. The more common Lopid side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, indigestion, and a significant decrease in sex drive. Having these Lopid side effects doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to stop treatment. All the same, you have to inform your physician, should any of these minor Lopid side effects occur.

However, if the more serious side effects should occur, then there just might be a need to stop Lopid treatment. These side effects include severe allergic reactions, chest pains, breathing problems, vomiting, bowel problems, rashes, oral sores, chills, fever, flu-like symptoms, presence of blood in urine, muscle and joint pains. If you are exhibiting any of such, stop taking Lopid, and contact your physician right away. There also might be a need to seek immediate medical assistance. So, do not prolong the condition anymore.

Other people might mention that another drug to take, to regulate high cholesterol levels, is Tricor. Indeed, Tricor is an example of a Fenofibrate medication that specializes in just that. But there really is no need for a Tricor vs Lopid comparison here. Even if both are effective medications for the condition, the decision on which drug is appropriate to use relies on your physician. So, leave that burden of choice to your physician. They do know better anyway.