Bezalip
(Bezafibrate)
Roche Pharmaceuticals
About Bezalip:

Bezalip reduces blood cholesterol, in particular cholesterol associated with low and very low density lipoproteins (LDL and VLDL-cholesterol). Bezalip also reduces high triglyceride levels. When taken by patients who previously suffered a heart attack, Bezalip has been shown to slow down any hardening of the arteries, and can help prevent a second heart attack.

Bezalip is only available on prescription. This medicine should only be used to supplement an appropriate diet recommended and followed up by your doctor for the long-term treatment of raised lipid levels: prescription of this medicine in no way replaces dietary treatment. In addition, depending on the situation, your doctor may recommend further physical exercise, weight loss or other measures.

Comply exactly to the terms of the prescription. Do not change the dose without your doctor's advice. Consult your doctor before stopping treatment since to do so may result in an increase in your blood lipid levels.

Before starting Bezalip

Your doctor must know:

  • if you have taken Bezalip or any other drug in the fibrate class before and if it caused an allergy or was otherwise poorly tolerated,
  • if you suffer from liver or kidney problems,
  • if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, or intend to breast-feed,
  • if you are taking other medicines, in particular an oral anticoagulant such as warfarin (Warfilone) or cyclosporine (Sandimmune).

Proper Use of the Medicine:

Bezalip 400 mg sustained release tablet: The standard dosage is one 400 mg sustained release tablet once (1) daily. The 400 mg sustained release tablet should be taken in the morning or evening with or after meals. The sustained release tablet should be swallowed without chewing with sufficient fluid.

  • Your doctor will ask you to have regular medical check-ups and laboratory tests. It is important to respect the dates proposed: we strongly recommend that you keep faithfully these appointments.
  • Inform your doctor of any health problem that occurs while taking Bezalip as well as any prescription or non-prescription medicine. If you need other medical treatment let the doctor know that you are taking Bezalip.
  • If you are taking both Bezalip and a bile acid resin concurrently, an interval of 2 hours should be maintained between the two drugs.
  • Tell your doctor if you are unwell while taking Bezalip (see Unwanted Effects).
  • Safety in children and young adolescents has not been established with Bezalip.
  • Bezalip is contraindicated during pregnancy. In the event of pregnancy during treatment, Bezalip should be discontinued and the physician should be informed.
  • Bezalip should not be taken while breast-feeding.

Side Effects:

In addition to its intended action any medicine may cause unwanted effects. Unwanted effects may occur in certain patients. They may appear and disappear without involving any particular risk but if any unwanted effects persist or become bothersome you must let your doctor know without delay. Such unwanted effects may consist of:

  • abdominal pains
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • skin reactions
  • muscular pain or cramps
  • fatigue

Additional Notes

  • This medicine is prescribed for a particular health problem and for your personal use. Do not give it to other persons.
  • Keep all medicines out of reach of children.
  • If you want further information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.