GENERIC NAME: BEZAFIBRATE - ORAL (bezz-uh-FIBE-rate)

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used along with a diet and an exercise program to treat high cholesterol levels.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly as prescribed with or just after meals. Do not take this more often or increase the dose without your doctor's approval. Your cholesterol level will not lower faster but the risk of side effects will be increased.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, stomach pain, gas, or nausea may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Itchy skin, redness, headache, and dizziness have also been reported. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: muscle aches/pains, muscle weakness, chest pain, unusual weakness, skin rash, vomiting. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, any allergies. Limit intake of alcohol while taking this medication. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Use caution if the following drugs are combined with bezafibrate because serious side effects such as muscle injury (myopathy) infrequently could occur: "statins" (e.g., lovastatin, atorvastatin), high-dose niacin (1 gram or more per day). Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: blood thinners, cyclosporine, antidepressants, estrogen, birth control pills, cholestyramine anticholesterol. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Cholesterol - Learn about cholesterol and how to lower LDL cholesterol. Read in-depth cholesterol information on a low cholesterol diet, normal ratio (levels), treatment for high cholesterol and more. Source:MedicineNet Read 8 more bezafibrate-oral related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection