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| Pronunciation |
|
 (jem
FI broe
zil) |
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|
| Brand Names |
|
| Lopid® |
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|
| Foreign Brand
Names |
|
| Apo-Gemfibrozil® (Canada); Nu-Gemfibrozil
(Canada) |
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|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Antilipemic Agent (Fibric Acid) |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to gemfibrozil or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you have any of the following conditions: Severe liver disease,
severe kidney disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, gallbladder
disease.
|
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used in combination with diet to decrease
triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL).
- Good cholesterol (HDL) levels may also
increase.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Gemfibrozil decreases the liver's production of triglycerides and bad
cholesterol (low density lipoprotein). It is not known how the good cholesterol
(high density lipoprotein) is
increased.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Take 30 minutes before breakfast and
dinner.
|
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- Skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Check medicines with healthcare provider. Other cholesterol-lowering
agents may not mix well with this medicine.
- Avoid alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor). It can make
triglycerides high.
- If you are on warfarin (blood thinner), you will require more frequent
monitoring.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Belly pain, heartburn, and cramps.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Feeling sleepy or unable to think clearly. Avoid driving, doing other
tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine
affects you.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare
provider.
- Check lipid (cholesterol) panel. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Check prothrombin time or INR if you are taking warfarin. Talk with
healthcare provider.
|
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe stomach discomfort, nausea/vomiting.
- Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or
weakness.
|
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store at room
temperature.
|
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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