whether it's safe to combine a statin and gemfibrozil (Lopid)

February 2000

There's a controversy brewing over whether it's safe to combine a statin and gemfibrozil (Lopid).

Many physicians use this combo for its additive effects on lowering cholesterol and triglycerides.

The problem is that each drug can lead to skeletal muscle damage...and the risk is even higher when the drugs are combined.

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Table of Contents

two new quinolone antibiotics
Cardiology whether it's safe to combine a statin and gemfibrozil (Lopid)
Cardiology using niacin to lower cholesterol can increase homocysteine levels
Dermatology Aldara (imiquimod) cream for refractory common and plantar warts
Diabetes Humalog Mix 75/25, the first insulin LISPRO mixture
Diabetes Many patients aren't using their insulin pens correctly
Diabetes alcohol can affect the risk of developing type 2 DIABETES
Hematology & Oncology Effexor or Prozac can reduce hot flashes in some cancer survivors
Hematology & Oncology Internet rumor that antiperspirants cause breast cancer
Infectious Diseases changes in the recommended dosing for the Lyme vaccine (Lymerix)
Alpha lipoic acid is now showing up in all kinds of "diabetes supplements"
Mineral supplements are also being promoted for diabetes
Colon Cancer Celebrex (celecoxib) is the first drug to be approved for a hereditary form of colorectal cancer
Neurology & Pain unique IV sedative called Precedex (dexmedetomidine)
Alzheimer's Disease possible interaction between Aricept (donepezil) and Paxil (paroxetine)
Alzheimer's Disease high cholesterol might increase the risk of Alzheimer's
Osteoporosis various isoflavone supplements to prevent or treat osteoporosis
Practice FDA just issued important new warnings about Propulsid
Practice chart of the significant new drugs approved in 1999