Gemfibrozil (By mouth)
jem-FYE-broe-zil
Lowers high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
Drug classes
Antihyperlipidemic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Gemfibrozil is used together with a proper diet to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood. This may help prevent the development of pancreatitis (inflammation or swelling of the pancreas) caused by high levels of triglycerides in the blood. Gemfibrozil may also be used to prevent certain types of heart problems in patients with risk factors for heart problems.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Take this medicine 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals, unless your doctor tells you differently.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with repaglinide or simvastatin.
Some foods and medicines can affect how gemfibrozil works. Tell your doctor if you are using colchicine, a statin medicine, or a blood thinner (such as warfarin). If you are taking colestipol, take it at least 2 hours before or after taking gemfibrozil.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to gemfibrozil, or if you have gallbladder disease, severe kidney disease, or liver disease.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Higher risk of gallbladder disease Myositis or myopathy (muscle damage)Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
Unusual tiredness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Nausea
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Lopid
There may be other brand names for this medicine.