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Generic Name: Gemfibrozil
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Lopid is prescribed primarily to lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
Heart specialists recognize that coronary artery disease is associated
with certain risk factors, including high serum cholesterol, bad LDL
cholesterol, elevated triglycerides and reduced levels of protective HDL
cholesterol.
Diet, exercise and weight control are usually considered
important first-line preventive approaches. When they are insufficient, drugs
like Lopid may be important in reducing the risk of heart disease. It increases
HDL cholesterol while lowering triglycerides and certain other negative blood
fats.
A well-controlled study from Helsinki, Finland revealed that this
medication appears to lower the risk of heart attacks by about one third.
Side Effects and Interactions
The most common side effects of Lopid are
digestive tract problems: heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
and flatulence.
Other possible adverse reactions include skin rash,
itching, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, muscle or joint pain or unusual
sore throat and fever.
Notify your physician promptly of any symptoms.
Lopid can interact dangerously with cholesterol-lowering drugs like Mevacor,
Pravachol
or Zocor.
Such
a combination of cholesterol-lowering drugs could trigger destruction of muscle tissue,
resulting in muscle pain, weakness and ultimately kidney damage.
If your doctor decides both drugs are necessary, close monitoring of
kidney function is essential.
The herb gogdenseal
may raise cholesterol levels and should not be combined with cholesterol-lowering medications such as Lopid.
Special Precautions
Anyone with kidney or liver problems should probably not take Lopid.
This medicine must also be used with great caution by anyone with gallstones or gallbladder disease, as Lopid may precipitate or aggravate problems.
Tests for liver function and blood sugar should be carried out periodically.
Women who are pregnant should also avoid Lopid as animal studies have shown an increased risk of damage to the fetus.
Research on animals has also linked Lopid to liver and testicular tumors, but only at relatively high doses. Whether there is a risk for humans remains to be determined.
Taking the Medicine
The manufacturer recommends that people take Lopid half an hour before breakfast and supper.
If you feel dizzy or your vision becomes blurred, do not drive.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000