Common use

Gemfibrozil is similar to fenofibrate (Tricor) and a fibric acid derivative. It acts reducing triglycerides and increasing cholesterol carried in high density lipoprotein thus decreasing risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack. Mechanism of its action is not known. Gemfibrozil is especially good in treatment of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with pancreatitis.



Dosage and direction

The recommended dose is 600 mg 30 minutes taken twice daily: before breakfast and dinner.



Precautions

Follow all instructions of your doctor about diet, exercise routine, and weigh control mechanisms, as this medication is only a part of the treatment. Avoid consumption of food which is rich with cholesterol or fats. Regular monitoring of your blood fat is needed on a regular basis. Your doctor may demand regular examination of your kidney or liver function. Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, gallbladder disease, severe kidney disease.

Contraindications

Gemfibrozil is contraindicated in individuals with allergic reaction to gemfibrozil, liver disease, gallbladder disease, severe kidney disease, or when co-administered with repaglinide (Prandin).



Possible side effect

Immediate medical help is required if you feel sharp pain in your upper stomach after the intake of Gemfibrozil or eating, jaundice, blurred vision, painful urination, eye pain, seeing halos around lights.



Drug interaction

Risk of rhabdomyolysis (muscle injury) increases when gemfibrozil is used with the statin family of cholesterol-reducing medications: pravastatin (Pravachol), lovastatin (Mevacor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor), fluvastatin (Lescol), and atorvastatin (Lipitor). When this condition is severe it may result in serious kidney damage and death. Concomitant use of these medications is not recommended, symptoms of rhabdomyolysis may appear in three weeks or several months after co-administration. Concomitant use with warfarin increases bleeding and requires correction of warfarin doses. Blood levels of repaglinide (Prandin) are increased by Gemfibrozil in patients with diabetes.

Cholestyramine (Questran) and Colestipol (Colestid) reduce effects of Gemfibrozil when co-administered. Gemfibrozil should be administered an hour before or 4-6 hours after intake of cholestyramine or colestipol.



Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended doses. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.



Overdose

Symptoms of overdose are: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, joint or muscle pain. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F).



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.