Medication That Treats High Cholesterol and Triglycerides Levels

Cholesterol is a chemical compound (fatty substance) known as a lipid. It plays an important role. The body requires it as a building block for cell membranes and for hormones like testosterone and estrogen. The liver produces 80% of the cholesterol required by the body. Rest comes from our diet. All the cholesterol is stored in the liver and used as required by the body. When the level of cholesterol is high, extra cholesterol deposits along the inside walls of arteries. This narrows the arteries. Cholesterol is of different types.

1. (LDL) Low-density lipoproteins – bad cholesterol.
2. (HDL) High-density lipoproteins – Good cholesterol.
3. (VLDL) very low-density lipoprotein.
4. Triglycerides.

LDL, VLDL, and Triglycerides are harmful and increase the risk of heart disease. Gemfibrozil along with proper diet help lower fats (triglycerides). It also helps to increase good cholesterol. It is approved by FDA in September 1993.

How do Gemfibrozil works?

Gemfibrozil belongs to the class of drugs known as fibrates. It is used to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides levels in people. The exact mechanism is unknown. Multiple mechanisms take place. Gemfibrozil works in following way;

1. Increase the breakdown of triglycerides already present in the body.
2. Decrease the production of triglycerides by the liver to lower their levels.
3. Decrease the production of LDL & VLDL cholesterol by the liver.
4. Increase the levels of HDL – Good cholesterol.

Overall it the level of good fats and decrease level of bad fats in the blood.

How to take Gemfibrozil?

Gemfibrozil is available in the form of capsules of 300 mg and 600 mg.

Adult dosage.

General dose– 600 mg orally two times a day.

Children–   Safety and efficacy in a patient younger than 18 years are unknown.

Maximum dose – 900 mg to 1600 mg in a day.

Comments –

You should take the capsule 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals. Your Doctor may change the dose based on medical condition and response to the treatment. Take it at around same time each day.

What are the uses of Gemfibrozil?

1. Helps to reduce cholesterol and the triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood.
2. Treats very high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with pancreas disease.
3. Raises the level of good cholesterol in the body (HDL).
4. Decrease the production of fat by the liver.
5. The drug works well in addition to proper diet and exercise.
6. Acts as primary prevention of heart attack.

What are the Precautions in taking Gemfibrozil?

It is important to take precaution under certain conditions while taking Gemfibrozil. Inform your Doctor if you are/have.

• Allergic to Gemfibrozil or other ingredients in it.
• Any other allergies.
• Medical history of liver disease.
• Gallbladder disease.
• Kidney disease.
• Dental or any other surgery.
• Pregnant.
• Breastfeeding.
• Taking Pradin to treat type 2 diabetes.
• Consume the drug 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner.
• Use the drug regularly to get the most benefit.
• The drug works better along with proper diet and exercise.
• It controls high triglyceride and low HDL but does not cure them. Continue to take the capsule.
• Avoid consuming food high in fat or cholesterol otherwise, the medicine will not be much effective.
• Don’t use in combination with drugs of statin family.

Cost of Gemfibrozil (Generic and Brand)

A Generic drug is chemically equivalent, lower cost version of a branded name drug. The cost is about 30 – 80% less. Generic drug makers don’t include investments in the development of the drug and not in marketing. So we can sell the cheap drug to our customers.

Cost of Generic Gemfibrozi

• 60 capsules of 300mg costs $ 29, per unit cost is $ 0.48.
• 60 capsules of 600mg caste $ 0.95, per unit cost is $ 57.

Cost of Brand Lopid

• 60 capsules of 600 mg cost $ 393.34, per unit cost is $ 6.56.