Lapibroz: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Use

What is lapibroz used for?

Lapibroz is a brand of oral medicine that is available in tablet and capsule form. This drug has the main active ingredient, gemfibrozil.

This drug belongs to a class of drugs called fibrates, which are medicines that work by reducing the amount of fat that builds up in the liver.

This drug is usually used to reduce levels of fatty triglycerides, especially in people who have very high levels of triglycerides in the blood. If done, the use of this drug can also reduce the patient's risk of suffering from pancreatitis.

However, not only that, lapibroz can also be used to increase levels of good cholesterol in the body (HDL) and reduce bad cholesterol (LDL).

However, although it can reduce levels of cholesterol and other bad fats, the use of this drug does not guarantee that your risk of having a heart attack or stroke is also reduced.

This cholesterol drug can only be found in pharmacies with a doctor's prescription, so you cannot buy it freely.

How do I use Lapibroz?

There are several things you should pay attention to if you are using lapibroz, including:

• Use this medicine according to the instructions that have been given by the doctor through the prescription note. If any information is not clear to you, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
• This medicine is usually used twice a day, namely 30 minutes before breakfast and 30 minutes before dinner.
• The dose of the drug will be determined by your doctor according to your health, and how your body responds to the use of this drug.
• If you want to get the maximum benefit from using this drug, take this drug regularly. To make it easier for you to remember, use this medicine at the same time every day.
• If you are taking other medicines that are also used to lower cholesterol such as colestipol or cholestyramine, take lapibroz at least one hour before or 4-6 hours after using these medicines.
• Adjusting your diet and exercising regularly can also help you get the maximum benefits of using drugs. It may take up to 3 months to fully reap the benefits.

How do I store lapibroz?

There are several things you should pay attention to if you want to save this drug. Among other things, you are prohibited from storing this drug in a humid place such as a bathroom. Don't also put it in the freezer until frozen. It is best if this drug is stored in a place at room temperature, so that it is not too cold or too hot. Keep this medication away from direct sunlight. Do not allow children and pets to reach this medicine.

However, if you are no longer using it or the medicine has expired, you must dispose of this medicine in an appropriate manner. Make sure that you do not mix medicinal waste with household waste, and do not throw it in drains or toilets. If you are not sure how to safely dispose of your medicine, ask your pharmacist or a local waste disposal agency for environmental health.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of lapibroz for adults?

Adult dosage for hypercholesterolemia

900-1500 milligrams (mg) taken by mouth daily in two divided doses

Adult dosage for hypertriglyceridemia

900-1500 milligrams (mg) taken by mouth daily in two divided doses

Adult dosage for dyslipidemia

900-1500 milligrams (mg) taken by mouth daily in two divided doses

What is the dose of lapibroz for children?

It has not been determined the dosage of this drug for children. If you want to give it to children, make sure beforehand whether this drug is safe for consumption by children. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks that can occur after using this drug and only use this drug when absolutely necessary with the condition that the benefits outweigh the risks.

In what dosage is lapibroz available?

Lapibroz tablets: 300 mg

Lapibroz capsules: 600 mg

Side effects

What side effects might occur if using lapibroz?

Side effects that may occur after using this drug include:

• The bladder hurts
• Urine is cloudy or even bloody
• Cough
• Difficulty urinating
• Constantly needing to urinate
• The waist hurts
• Dark stool
• Chest tightness
• Digestive problems
• Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, or feet
• Muscle cramp
• Pale skin
• Acute nausea and vomiting
• Sore throat
• Swollen glands
• Tired or sick for no apparent reason
• Difficulty breathing

If you experience any of the serious side effects mentioned above, contact your doctor immediately. However, there are also less severe side effects, such as:

• Changes in the sense of taste in tasting
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn, or the feeling of burning in the chest
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Bowel obstruction
• Headache
• Nausea
• The head was spinning
• Gag
• Skin rash

These side effects tend to be mild and can go away on their own without medical treatment. However, if you feel that your condition is not getting better or is getting worse, contact your doctor immediately.

Warnings & Precautions

What should be known before using Lapibroz?

Before using this drug, there are a number of things you should know, such as the following:

• Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to this drug or its main active ingredient, gemfibrozil. Also tell your doctor if you have allergies to other fibrate medicines such as fenofibrate.
• Tell your doctor if you have allergies to other drugs, food, preservatives and dyes, to allergies to animals.
• Tell your doctor if you have had certain diseases, especially liver, gallbladder, kidney problems, or alcoholism.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Using this medication may increase your risk of developing gallstones. If you are using this medicine and your stomach hurts frequently, contact your doctor immediately.
• Do not stop using this medication if your doctor does not recommend it. Even though you feel healthier than before, you cannot be said to be cured if your doctor still asks you to continue using this medicine.

Is lapibroz safe for use by pregnant and lactating women?

It is still unclear what impact this drug can have on a pregnant woman, but the use of this drug is not recommended for pregnant women. This is also evidenced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which includes this drug in the category C pregnancy risk. The following references the category of pregnancy risk according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Meanwhile, for the use of this drug in pregnant women, it is still not certain about the impact that might be given to a breastfeeding baby. Therefore, consult your doctor first before you decide to use this drug.

Interaction

What medicines can interact with lapibroz?

As with other medicines, lapibroz can also interact with other medicines that are taken at the same time. The interactions that occur may increase the risk of side effects or change how the drugs work, but they can also be the best type of treatment for your medical condition.

The following are some of the types of drugs that can interact with lapibroz, including:

• Asunaprevir
• Medicines used to thin the blood, such as warfarin
• Colchicine
• Repaglinide
• Statin drugs (atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin)
• Elagolix
• Pioglitazone
• Selexipag
• Ombitasvir
• Paritaprevir
• Ritonavir
• Dasabuvir

To avoid possible interactions, record all types of medicines you use, from prescription drugs, non-prescriptions, multivitamins, to herbal products. Then, give it to your doctor so he can help regulate the dosage of any medicines you are taking.

What foods and alcohol can interact with lapibroz?

Certain medications should not be consumed at mealtimes or when eating certain types of food because interactions may occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco-derived products with certain drugs can also cause interactions. Discuss with your health care professional the use of drugs with food, alcohol, or products derived from tobacco.

What health conditions can interact with lapibroz?

There are several health conditions that can interact with this drug. Therefore, it is important for you to tell your doctor about any health conditions you are currently experiencing, in particular:

• Biliary cirrhosis, or a condition in which bile ducts become blocked and become inflamed
• Cholelithiasis, or gallstones
• Good cholesterol (HDL)
• Rhabdomyolysis, or damage to the muscles
• Liver disorders
• Kidneys that can't function properly
• Blood disorders

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take the missed dose immediately. However, if time has indicated to take the next dose, just skip the missed dose and keep taking the dose as scheduled. Don't force yourself to take two doses at once, as this can increase your risk of overdose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.