Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate).
Blood counts: Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate) may decrease the amount of hemoglobin (the part of red blood cells that carry oxygen), white blood cells (that help fight infection), and platelets (that help the blood to clot) during the first 12 months of treatment. Your doctor will monitor for these changes with blood tests during your first year of treatment.
Gallstones: Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate) may increase the risk for gallstones. If you experience symptoms of gallstones (e.g., persistent and severe upper abdominal pain, pain in the back between the shoulder blades, pain under the right shoulder, nausea, vomiting), contact your doctor immediately.
Liver function: Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate) may affect your liver function. You will have your liver function monitored regularly with blood tests while you are taking Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate). If you have had liver problems or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), discuss with your doctor how Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate) may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Muscle problems: Very rarely, Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate) can cause muscle problems such as myositis (inflammation of the muscles) or rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle that can cause kidney damage). If you experience any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and are not feeling well, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate) should not be taken during pregnancy. Women who could become pregnant while using Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate) should use adequate birth control. If you become pregnant while taking Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate), stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. If you are planning to become pregnant, you should stop Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate) several months before trying to become pregnant.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate) have not been established for children.
Seniors: The use of Bezalip SR (Bezafibrate) by people over the age of 70 is not recommended because of age-related decreases in kidney function.