Bezafibrate helps lower your cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels.
Excessive cholesterol and triglycerides in your body can clog up your blood vessels. This can lead to many health problems such as stroke and heart diseases, including heart attack.
Bezafibrate is meant to be taken as part of a complete cholesterol management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Take Bezafibrate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take Bezafibrate together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole. If you are taking the modified-release or sustained-release form of Bezafibrate (usually labelled as "SR" or "Retard"), do not chew or crush the tablet.
Bezafibrate must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Bezafibrate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Bezafibrate unless instructed by your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- bile duct or gall bladder disease
as Bezafibrate may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Bezafibrate if you are pregnant. You should use adequate birth control several months before starting Bezafibrate as well as when undergoing treatment with Bezafibrate.
Do not breastfeed while being treated with Bezafibrate.
Inform your doctor if you have thyroid disease.
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience muscle pain, weakness or tenderness especially if it is accompanied by fever or general body discomfort.
For as long as you are taking Bezafibrate, you will need to have regular blood tests to monitor your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these blood tests.
Common side effects of Bezafibrate include any of the following: stomach pain, nausea, stomach wind, loss of appetite and headache.
Bezafibrate may cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Some side effects may be serious, although they are rare. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- persistent muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps, numbness or weakness
- yellowing of the skin or the eyes
- brown or dark-coloured urine
- severe stomach pain or pain near the stomach area
- unusual tiredness
- rashes
- swollen eyes or mouth, breathlessness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- other cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. fluvastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin
- diabetes medicines e.g. glipizide, glimepiride, insulin
- certain mood medicines or antidepressants e.g. phenelzine
- ciclosporin (a medicine used for organ transplant and rheumatoid illness)
- a herbal or food supplement called red yeast rice
Bezafibrate should not be taken at the same time as cholestyramine. Cholestyramine reduces the effectiveness of Bezafibrate when taken at the same time. If you are taking cholestyramine, take it at least 2 hours after you have taken Bezafibrate.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Bezafibrate.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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