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Home > Drug Category > Cholesterol Medications > Bezalip and Equivalent

Bezalip Information

Bezalip (bezafibrate) is a fibrate drug primarily used as an adjunct to diet and other therapeutic measures to treat hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and hypertriglyceridemia (high triglyceride levels). It is particularly indicated for patients with high to very high triglyceride levels who are at high risk of complications. Bezafibrate works by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARa), which helps to lower elevated blood lipids. Specifically, it decreases triglyceride levels, reduces total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Bezafibrate also increases the activity of triglyceride lipases involved in breaking down triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. In some cases, it may also help reduce elevated fibrinogen levels and inhibit platelet aggregation, which are factors in the development of atherosclerosis.

Bezalip Side Effects

The most common side effects of Bezalip are usually gastrointestinal. They may include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Other common side effects can include headache, dizziness, increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight (photosensitivity), muscular pain or cramps, and fatigue. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Kidney problems: Changes in the amount of urine.
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (myopathy or rhabdomyolysis): This can be severe and may be accompanied by fever or unusual tiredness.
• Severe stomach pain: This could indicate inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or gallbladder problems (gallstones).
• Signs of an allergic reaction: Rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing.
• Signs of liver problems: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, light-colored stools, or persistent nausea and vomiting.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.

Bezalip Precautions

Do not use Bezalip if you are allergic to bezafibrate, any of its ingredients, or other fibrate medications. Do not use Bezalip if you have severe liver damage, severe renal impairment (e.g., requiring dialysis or with very low creatinine clearance), or pre-existing gallbladder disease. Bezalip is contraindicated in patients with photoallergic or phototoxic reactions to fibrates. Before starting this medication, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have a history of liver or kidney problems, gallbladder disease, or conditions that predispose you to muscle problems (e.g., severe infection, trauma, surgery, hormonal or electrolyte imbalances). Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Bezalip can interact with other medicines. It can increase the effects of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners like warfarin), requiring careful monitoring of blood clotting. If you are taking other cholesterol-lowering medications, particularly statins, concurrent use with Bezalip may increase the risk of muscle problems; this combination should only be used in exceptional cases under close medical supervision. Bezalip may interact with medications for diabetes (e.g., insulin, sulfonylureas), immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine), and bile acid resins (e.g., cholestyramine), for which a dosing interval of at least 2 hours is recommended between Bezalip and these medications. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Bezalip is generally contraindicated during pregnancy. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, use adequate contraception during treatment. If pregnancy occurs during treatment, discontinue Bezalip and inform your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Bezalip is generally contraindicated during breastfeeding. It is not known if bezafibrate passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. The safety and effectiveness of Bezalip in pediatric patients have not been established, and its use in children is generally not recommended. In elderly patients (over 70 years of age), kidney function should be monitored, and dosage adjustments may be necessary. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Bezalip is typically taken as a sustained-release tablet once daily, usually in the morning or evening with or after meals. Swallow the tablet whole with a sufficient amount of fluid; do not chew or crush it. Your doctor may start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Continue using the medication for the full prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. While taking Bezalip, regular medical check-ups and laboratory tests (e.g., lipid profiles, liver function tests, kidney function tests, and blood counts) are essential to monitor your response and detect potential side effects. Store Bezalip at room temperature (between 15°C and 30°C or 59°F and 86°F). Protect from heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and humidity. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Bezalip?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Bezalip.