Lopid is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat high cholesterol. It is a lipid-lowering drug used to treat patients with hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels in the blood). Like many cholesterol drugs, Lopid is most effective as a supplemental treatment alongside diet and exercise.

Lopid is supplied as an oral tablet. It contains the drug gemfibrozil, which is available in generic form. Lopid is only available via prescription from a licensed health care provider.

Lopid is used to treat high cholesterol levels and triglycerides in the blood.

Cholesterol is a form of lipid, a waxy substance that helps your body make cells, vitamins, and hormones. Your liver synthesizes cholesterol to help with the healthy functions listed above. Additional cholesterol is introduced to the body through meat, poultry, and dairy products.

There are two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). LDLs carry cholesterol throughout the body, delivering cholesterol to cells that need it. HDLs move excess LDLs back to the liver, where they are broken down and flushed from the body. While LDLs play a crucial role in cell health, they build up when the body has more cholesterol than the cells need. This buildup turns into plaque in the arteries (blood vessels). As plaque covers the artery walls, the blood vessels become narrow. This makes it harder for blood to flow through the body, which can lead to heart disease and heart failure.

Do not take gemfibrozil if you have severe renal impairment, active liver disease, gallbladder disease, are nursing, or have a known allergy to gemfibrozil.

Before taking gemfibrozil, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication, vitamins, supplements, or herbal products if you have a history of liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, gallbladder disease, or heart disease, or if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Lopid belongs to a family of drugs known as fibrates. These medications work by reducing the production of triglycerides in the liver and increasing the production of lipoprotein lipase, which helps break down triglycerides. This action lowers overall levels of fatty substances in the blood.

Lopid should be taken with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and exercise recommendations by your dietician or doctor.

While adverse reactions to Lopid are uncommon, some patients who take the drug may experience mild side effects.

Adverse reactions reported from Lopid use include:

• Stomach pain
  
• Heartburn
  
• Gas
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Unpleasant aftertaste
  
  

Rarer, more severe reactions include:

• Back pain
  
• Muscle pain or weakness
  
• Blurry vision
  
• Difficulty with urination
  
• Fever symptoms
  
  

As with all prescription medications, inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been diagnosed with and any medications or supplements you currently take before starting treatment with Lopid. Lopid can interact with other medicines and substances, causing potentially serious side effects.

Tell your doctor if you have been diagnosed with the following:

• Kidney disease
  
• Liver disease
  
• Gallbladder disease
  
  

Before beginning treatment with Lopid, let your provider know if you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant.

Lopid is usually taken twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening before meals. The exact dosage will vary depending on the patient’s age, body weight, and the severity of the condition requiring treatment.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of Lopid without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Lopid is only available by prescription from a licensed health care provider. Providers on Sesame can order Lopid for local pickup on the same day. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for Lopid to be picked up near you—often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered immediately for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.