Gemfibrozil

Uses of Gemfibrozil

Gemfibrozil is commonly used to lower the blood triglyceride level in people at risk of pancreatitis. Triglyceride is a type of fat in your blood. Having high triglyceride levels can raise your risk of pancreatitis.

Gemfibrozil is also used to reduce the risk of developing coronary artery disease in people with certain types of high cholesterol.

Precautions and Warnings

People who are allergic to any of the following should not use gemfibrozil.

• Gemfibrozil
• Lopid
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific gemfibrozil products they stock.

Gemfibrozil should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking gemfibrozil, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details

 Gemfibrozil should not be used if you have or have had gallbladder problems. If there is a concern about the health of your gallbladder, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.

Gemfibrozil should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.

Gemfibrozil should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine

What should I know about gemfibrozil before using it?

Follow a diet and exercise plan as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Do not take gemfibrozil unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share gemfibrozil with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep gemfibrozil out of the reach of children.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using gemfibrozil?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if gemfibrozil is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

• Kidney Problems
• Liver Problems

It is not known if or how gemfibrozil could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known if gemfibrozil passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop gemfibrozil

Dosage

Usual Adult Dose is 600 mg orally twice a day, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhea;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• dizziness, drowsiness;
• blurred vision;
• muscle or joint pain; or
• loss of interest in sex, impotence.