Introduction
Fibril is a medicine used to treat high cholesterol. This medicine helps by lowering triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol (LDL), while at the same time raising the levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL). Lowering cholesterol levels reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Fibril should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. You can take it at any time of day without food but try to take it at the same time each day. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel ill, but if you stop taking this medicine, your condition could get worse. This may lead to your cholesterol levels rising up again and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. It is important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly.
This medicine is only one part of a treatment program which should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol intake and weight reduction. You can eat normally while taking this medicine, but try to avoid foods that are high in fat.
Common side effects of this medicine include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Before taking this medicine it is better to let your doctor know about all the other medicines that are prescribed to you. This medicine should be taken with caution if you are suffering from any kidney or liver disease. Also, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should not take this medicine without consulting the doctor.
Uses of Fibril
- High triglycerides
- High cholesterol
Side effects of Fibril
Common
- Increased liver enzymes
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
How to use Fibril
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not chew, crush or break it. Fibril is to be taken empty stomach.
How Fibril works
Fibril is a lipid lowering medication. It works by lowering the levels of triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol (LDL), while raising the levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL).
What if you forget to take Fibril?
If you miss a dose of Fibril, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Hypertriglyceridemia, Hyperlipidemia
Administration
Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take ½ hr before meals.
Adult Dose
Hypertriglyceridemia, Hypercholesterolemia
600 mg PO q12hr
Hepatic impairment
Contraindicated
Child Dose
Safety and efficacy not established
Renal Dose
Renal impairment
Mild to moderate: Use caution, if baseline serum creatine in patient is >2mg/dL; deterioration of renal function reported in such patients
Severe: Contraindicated
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity. Severe hepatic or renal dysfunction; gall stones; neonates, children, pregnancy, lactation.
Mode of Action
Gemfibrozil exhibits its action by inhibition of lipolysis and reduction of hepatic fatty acid uptake. It also inhibits secretion of VLDL from the liver.
Precaution
Causes of secondary hyperlipidaemia such as hypothyroidism and diabetes must be treated before initiating therapy. Renal impairment; blood disorders. Periodic monitoring of the serum lipids should be done; if no adequate response after 3 mth, treatment should be withdrawn. May increase risk of cholelithiasis.
Lactation: Not recommended
Side Effect
>10%
Dyspepsia (20%)
1-10%
Abdominal pain (10%),Atrial fibrillation (1%),Diarrhea (7%),Fatigue (4%),N/V (3%),Eczema (2%),Rash (2%),Vertigo (2%),Constipation (1%),Headache (1%)
<1%
Myalgia,Rhabdomyolysis (especially with admin with statin),Acute appendicitis,Cholelithiasis,Angioedema,Hypokalemia,Eosinophilia,Myopathy,Synovitis,Taste disturbance,Xerostomia,Flatulence,Rash
Potentially Fatal: Bone marrow hypoplasia; intracranial haemorrhage; nephrotoxicity; peripheral neuritis.
Interaction
Co-admin with repaglinide may increase serum levels of repaglinide. May enhance effects of oral anticoagulants. May also increase the plasma concentrations of ciclosporin and associated nephrotoxicity when used concurrently.
Potentially Fatal: Increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when used with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.