This one's for Mom: Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Ms. Field, i'll get back to you tomorrow.

My Mom was just put on yet another cholesterol lowering drug, as probably many of you have too have been on the merry-go-round to prescription drugs. So let's go through what this drug is, it's chemical nature and history and how it works:

Gemfibrozil belongs to a class of drugs used in hyperlipidemia (HL), which is basically elevated levels of fats in the blood. Decisions to use drug therapy for HL must be based on the potential for causing atherosclerosis or pancreatitis. Most important, diet of the individual is a necessary co-therapy to drug therapy and should be followed strictly to achieve the full potential of drug therapy.

Gemfibrozil is a first generation fibric acid derivative clofibrate. First generation means that this is an older drug and it works by making an enzyme that causes fats to be cut up at a higher rate.

Gemfibrozil is thought to function by binding to a DNA binding protein called PPAR [called a transcription factor]. It increases fat cutting enzymes that degrade triglycerides.

Skin rashes, intestinal symptoms, heart palpitations are associated with toxicity. It seems it increases the mechanism of action of blood thinning drugs as well.

Take it in good health Mom! LU!