Bezafibrate

What is Bezafibrate?

Bezalip belongs to a family of medications called fibrates.

What is Bezafibrate used for?

Bezalip is used, along with proper diet and exercise schedule, to treat conditions associated with high cholesterol levels in the body. It is also used for reducing the high triglyceride levels in the body.

How does Bezafibrate work?

Bezalip works by producing changing elevations of HDL cholesterol and in reducing the LDL cholesterol. The amount of Trigylceride content of the VLDL fraction is also reduced with the help of this medication. Along with these changes, there are changes in the apolipoproteins. The quantity of apolipoproteins A1 and A2 increases while the quantity of apolipoprotein B decreases.

How to use Bezafibrate

Bezalip should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Do not take the medicine for longer period or in larger amount than recommended.

Adults can take 2-3 tablets of Bezalip 200 mg every day. They can also take a single dose of bezalip 400 mg sustained release tablet. There should be enough fluid consumption with the tablet and Bezalip can be taken with your meal or after you are finished with your meal. Chewing the medicine is not recommended.

The doctor will recommend different doses of Bezalip to different people as factors like body weight and other medical conditions affect the dosage. Do not take the medicine without consulting with your doctor. If you have some extra medicine left, do not dispose it off in waste water or in the kitchen drain.

Bezafibrate warnings and precautions

It is important to inform your doctor about the medical conditions that you have had in the past. Also, let him know if you are breastfeeding or pregnant as this affects the use of this medicine. Intake of this medicine with gallstones is dangerous as it increases the risk. Abnormal liver function may also happen with Bezalip. If you are consuming this medicine, the function of your liver should be tested regularly.

If you get pregnant while the treatment with this medicine is on, it is advisable to stop the consumption of the medicine and contact the doctor. If you are planning a baby, it is important to stop the consumption of this medicine a few months before you conceive. The medicine can have harmful effects on your baby if you are breastfeeding. Consult your doctor about the same.

What do I do if I have missed a Bezafibrate dose?

If you have missed a Bezalip dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Bezafibrate overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Bezalip, consult your doctor right away. You may need immediate medical attention.

Bezafibrate interactions

Bezalip can have interactions with drugs like colestipol, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, estrogens, statins, MAO inhibitors and warfarin. It is important to let your doctor know if you are taking any of these medicines. This will help him prescribe an alternate medicine.  It is not necessary to stop taking the medicines that react with each other. You can just ask your doctor to make changes in the dosing schedule.

Bezafibrate side effects

Some side effects are more common while others are very rare. If you face any side effects of Bezalip, it is important for you to let your doctor know about it. Some of the less common symptoms of Bezalip are constipation, belching, dizziness, eye irritation, decreased sexual drive, gas, stuffy nose and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Some people can also come across side effects like hives, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, muscle pain, stomach pain, bloating, dark colored urine, cough and loss of appetite. If you experience any such symptoms, contact your doctor.