What is most important to remember? If you have questions: Strong Internal Medicine • Use this medicine as directed by your doctor Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for more information about gemfibrozil (Lopid®) • It is important to continue taking this medicine even if you feel normal. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick
• Do not start any new medicines, over-the-counter drugs or herbal remedies without talking to your doctor
• Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists that you are using Strong Internal Medicine gemfibrozil (Lopid®) 601 Elmwood Avenue th • Contact your doctor right away if Ambulatory Care Facility, 5 Floor Rochester, NY 14642 you have severe muscle pain or Phone: (585) 275 -7424 weakness Gemfibrozil Visit our website at: (Lopid®): • Follow the diet and lifestyle www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/ - genera medicine/patientcare/ Important Patient Information changes that you talked about l- with your doctor in addition to taking your medicine to get the greatest health benefits
What does gemfibrozil (Lopid®) do? Who should know I am taking gemfibrozil What are some things that I need to be aware
• It is used to lower the level of bad cholesterol (Lopid®)? of when taking gemfibrozil (Lopid®)? (LDL), raise the level of good cholesterol Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, • Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are (HDL), and lower triglycerides (TG) in the natural products, supplements, vitamins, over- allergic to gemfibrozil, or if you are allergic to body the-counter) and give it to your healthcare any other medicines, foods, or substances provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, • It is also used to stop irritation of the • Tell your doctor if you have gallbladder pancreas pharmacist, or physician assistant) disease, kidney disease, or liver disease
How should gemfibrozil (Lopid®) be used? Are there any interactions with other drugs before taking this medicine that I need to worry about? • Use this medicine as directed by your doctor • Tell your doctor if you are taking the medicine • There are many drug interactions that may repaglinide (Prandin®) to treat diabetes or a • This medicine is taken two (2) times a day. increase your risk of side effects “statin” such as simvastatin to treat high Take this medicine 30 minutes before cholesterol before taking this medication breakfast and dinner • Do not start new prescription, over-the- counter medicines, or herbal and dietary • If you take cholestyramine or colestipol, take • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses supplements without telling your doctor gemfibrozil at least 1 hour before or 4-6 What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects could occur with hours after taking these medicines. These • Take a missed dose as soon as you think gemfibrozil (Lopid®)? products can lower the absorption of gemfibrozil about it • Heartburn • If you are taking a blood thinner, you may • If it is close to the time for your next dose, • Loose stools (diarrhea) skip the missed dose and go back to your need to have your blood work checked more normal dose time frequently while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor • Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant during treatment, or if you
If you have any of the following side effects, call your doctor or visit the emergency room are breastfeeding. You will need to talk with immediately: your doctor about the benefits and risks of • Very bad belly pain, upset stomach, • Dark urine this medicine while pregnant or breastfeeding or throwing up • Any sign of a severe allergic reaction • Avoid alcohol consumption (includes wine, • Muscle pain, weakness, or joint pain including: itching; rash; severe beer, and liquor) • Blurred eyesight dizziness; trouble breathing; swelling • Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light of face, lips, tongue or throat and do not store in the bathroom • Severe headache • Depressed mood • Keep away from children and pets • Burning numbness or tingling feelings • Any bruising or bleeding • Very bad dizziness or passing out • Yellowing of the skin and eyes • Not normal heartbeat