3. Ciprofibrate

Ciprofibrate

  • Follow carefully any lifestyle advice you have been given such as stopping smoking, avoiding drinking too much alcohol, eating a healthy diet and taking exercise.
  • If you experience any muscle swelling, weakness or pain, particularly in your legs, speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
Type of medicine Fibrate lipid-regulating drug
Used for Hyperlipidaemia (high levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood)
Available as Tablets

Ciprofibrate is used to control the levels of cholesterol and other lipids (fats) in the blood if other treatments are not suitable. Lipids are made naturally in the body and are also absorbed from the food we eat. If levels of lipids in the blood are too high, they can stick to the walls of blood vessels. Eventually this leads to a narrowing of the blood vessels and can even block them completely.

High levels of lipids do not make people feel ill but can cause problems if left untreated. By lowering the level of cholesterol and other fats in the blood, ciprofibrate helps prevent any long-term effects caused by fat building up in blood vessels, such as heart disease.

Before taking ciprofibrate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have gall bladder problems.
  • If you have thyroid problems.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take ciprofibrate exactly as your doctor has told you.
  • It is not important whether you take ciprofibrate before or after food.
  • Try to take your dose of ciprofibrate at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
  • Treatment with ciprofibrate is usually lifelong.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Follow carefully any advice you have been given about a healthy diet and taking exercise.
  • If you are a smoker, ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to stop. Smoking tends to increase your lipid levels.
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol while you are being treated with ciprofibrate as alcohol can increase your cholesterol levels.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with ciprofibrate.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Possible side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Indigestion, abdominal pain, feeling or being sick Stick to simple or bland foods - avoid rich or spicy foods
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Allergic skin rashes or itching, headache, vertigo (a spinning sensation), and dizziness If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you have any unusual aches, pains, swelling or tenderness in your muscles, contact your doctor straight away.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  • If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
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Further reading & references

  • British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Ciprofibrate 100mg Tablets; Manufacturer's PIL, Ciprofibrate 100mg Tablets, Winthrop Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2010.
Original Author: Helen Allen Current Version:
Last Checked: 20/04/2011 Document ID: 3546  Version: 23 © EMIS

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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