Side Effects of Bezalip
Bezalip (bezafibrate) is an oral medication used to treat hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol). Typically, cholesterol management includes maintaining low levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins and high levels of high-density lipoproteins. According to Flexyx Drugs, Bezalip decreases trigylceride levels and LDL levels and increases HDL as well as decreasing fibrinogen (a protein that promotes blood clotting). Elevated fibrinogen levels increase the risk of blood clots related to atherosclerosis. Bezalip also reduces blood glucose (sugar) levels in diabetics.
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Liver Damage
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Bezalip may interfere with liver function, monitored by liver function tests within six months of beginning therapy and then annually. According to Flexyx Drugs, Bezalip is metabolized (broken down) by the liver, so it is contraindicated with liver disease other than fatty liver (common with elevated cholesterol). Signs of liver disease include weakness, fatigue, abdominal discomfort and jaundice (yellowing of the skin). Bezalip given with MAO inhibitors may also cause liver damage.
Gallstones
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Cholesterol is broken down and excreted in the bile that flows from the liver into the gall bladder. According to RxMed, the increased levels of excreted cholesterol may cause gallstones to form in the bile, blocking the bile ducts and sometimes causing liver damage. Symptoms include abdominal pain and nausea. Do not take Bezalip if you have gallstones or gallbladder disease.
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Kidney Damage
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Because Bezalip is excreted through the kidneys, according to RxMed, those with kidney failure should not receive Bezaliip as they may develop increased serum creatinine phosphokinase levels, increasing kidney damage as well as risk of muscle damage.
Muscle Damage
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In rare cases, Bezalip may cause myopathy (muscle damage) of skeletal muscles, the type of muscles that support the skeleton, such as in the arms and legs. Myopathy may progress to rhabdomyolysis in which muscle tissue breaks down, resulting in permanent damage to the muscles and damage to the kidneys from myoglobin, which is released into the blood from damaged muscle fibers. People who develop pain and weakness in muscles and joints require further testing and may need to stop taking Bezalip.
Allergic Reaction
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Sensitive individuals may develop an allergic response to Bezalip with generalized itching, erythema (redness) of the skin, and hives.
Gastrointestinal Upset
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Some people develop gastrointestinal upsets, such as nausea, increased gas and changes in defecation, including diarrhea or constipation.
Warnings
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Because Bezalip reduces fibrinogen levels and clotting time, those receiving anticoagulants (blood thinners) must receive lower doses and have careful monitoring to prevent excess bleeding.
Bezalip is contraindicated with pregnancy, so women of child-bearing age must use birth control while taking Bezalip. Nursing mothers should not take Bezalip.
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