Drugs >  Gemfibrozil
Gemfibrozil
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Foreign Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(jem FI broe zil)

Brand Names
Lopid®

Foreign Brand Names
Apo-Gemfibrozil® (Canada); Nu-Gemfibrozil (Canada)

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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