Bezafibrate

Bezafibrate (marketed as Bezalip and various other brand names) belongs to the class of medications known as fibrates. This medication is used in addition to diet and exercise for treatment of people with high cholesterol levels. It helps to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride in the blood, and increase HDL (good cholesterol). Bezafibrate also reduce blood levels of cholesterol. Raised levels of fat (lipids) are associated with atherosclerosis (also known as Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease or ASVD). This problem can lead to coronary heart condition such as angina and heart attacks. Studies show that in patients with impaired glucose tolerance, bezafibrate may delay progress to diabetes, and in those with *insulin resistance it slowed progress in the HOMA severity marker.

when bezafibrate is taken with a diet low in saturated fats, there is strong evidence that the risk of coronary heart disease is reduced.

*Insulin resistance is the condition in which normal amounts of insulin are inadequate to produce a normal insulin response from fat, muscle and liver cells.

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Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• Lipid Lowering Drug with danger of overdose – LOW
• Dependency is said to be – LOW
• Prescription only drug – YES
• Available as generic – YES
• Alcohol Avoidance – NO

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Nausea, Loss of appetite, Gastric pain
Rare: Skin Rash, Headache, Muscular Pain, Cramp. Dizziness, Fatigue

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

There would be no problems expected. However if you have kidney disease there is a high risk of muscle problems developing. To measure the effects of how the drug is affecting lipids in the blood occasional blood monitoring will be carried out.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

There are no special problems.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Safety in pregnancy has not be established. The drug may pass into the breast milk causing problems for the baby. You should discuss both these issues with your doctor and be guided by his or her advice.

Embryotoxicity has occurred in animals at toxic doses. Women planning pregnancy should discontinue bezafibrate several months before conception; strict birth control procedures must be exercised.

Tell Your Doctor

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

See full list of things you should tell your doctor about.»

Over 60’s & Children

There would be no special problems expected. Bezafibrate is not usually prescribed for infants or children.

Overdose

If you unintentionally take an extra dose there is no need for concern. However, If you notice any unusual symptoms you should notify your doctor.

Other Medication Reactions

Bezafibrate may interact with anti-diabetic drugs causing a drop in blood sugar levels. These drugs increase the risk of muscle damage if taken with bezafibrate: Pravastatin, Simvastatin, and other lipid lowering drugs that end in ‘statin’. There is a risk of liver damage if bezafibrate is taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s). The effects of bezafibrate may increase the effects of anticoagulants such as warfarin. However, your doctor should lower your anticoagulants when you start taking bezafibrate. Caution should be shown in patients with a history of jaundice or hepatic disorder.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

You should not attempt to stop taking this medication without consulting with your doctor.

Effect Of Medication

It may take some weeks before any beneficial effects are felt, and it could take months or even years before the fat content in the arteries is reduced. However if there is no response after a period of 3 to 4 months treatment should be stopped.

Storage and Safety

Keep medicine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children. Never take medication that has past the expiry date shown on the box or container. Return all un-used or old medicines to your pharmacist. Do not discard old or unwanted medication into your trash, sink or toilet.

If this medication has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or they feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.