Ciprofibrate

About ciprofibrate

This belongs to the group of medicines known as lipid-regulating drugs.

Ciprofibrate is a type of medicine known as a fibrate. It lowers the amount of lipids (fats) in the blood. These lipids include cholesterol and triglycerides. Having too much cholesterol in the blood is not a disease in itself, but can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries.

Ciprofibrate may help prevent medical problems caused by lipids building up in blood vessels, such as heart disease.

Ciprofibrate is available in tablet form, strength 100mg.

It is also sometimes known as: Modalim. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking ciprofibrate

Before taking ciprofibrate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you are lactose intolerant
• if you suffer from an under-active thyroid gland
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine
• if you are already taking a fibrate to lower your blood lipid levels, e.g. clofibrate, bezafibrate, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil.
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take ciprofibrate

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet before beginning treatment.
• Take ciprofibrate exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take ciprofibrate at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual times. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose. Never take two doses to make up.
• Ciprofibrate is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of ciprofibrate contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside ciprofibrate.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor.
• Many people are able to control their condition by carefully following their doctor's directions for a healthy diet and exercise. Medicine is prescribed only when additional help is needed and this medicine is only effective when a healthy diet is also followed.
• Ciprofibrate is less effective if you are greatly overweight. It may be very important for you to go on a weight reducing diet. However, check with your doctor before going on any diet.
• Even if you do not feel unwell, never stop taking ciprofibrate without checking with your doctor first. When you stop taking ciprofibrate, your fat levels may increase again.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol while you are being treated with ciprofibrate.
• Ciprofibrate can occasionally cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were to become dizzy.

Can ciprofibrate cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:

Skin rashes, itching, muscle pain, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, indigestion, tummy pain, breathlessness, sexual problems, headache, dizziness, loss of balance, tiredness or thinning of the hair.

Important: If you experience pain and weakness in your muscles for no obvious reason contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store ciprofibrate

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Do not keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely, out of the reach of children, or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 28/02/2006