Drug Name: Gemfibrozil
Brand Names: Lopid
Generic Name: Gemfibrozil
Uses: Gemfibrozil is a lipid and cholesterol-modifying medicine. It is used to lower down the amount of cholesterol and some other fatty substances in the blood. This lowered amount will result to the prevention of angina, heart disease, strokes and heart attacks.
How to use: The medication comes in tablets and capsules. It is usually taken twice a day, 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. Patients that are taking gemfibrozil must also be having changes in their diet. This includes the restriction of cholesterol and fat intake.
Side Effects: One out of five patients may experience having an upset stomach when taking gemfibrozil. Diarrhea, occurring in one out 14; tiredness, exhibited in one out of 30 patients and nausea or vomiting, arising in one out of 40 patients are some of the most common side effects of he medication. The less common side effects are muscle aches, pains, weakness and tenderness. There have been some cases of the muscle-related symptoms to be associated with muscle damage. But this is rare and happen mostly in patients that are taking gemfibrozil alongside some statin medications. Others side effects include dizziness, tiredness, tingling in the extremities, headache, decreased sexual drive, impotence, depression and blurred vision.
Precautions: You need to consult your doctor if you have or ever had ulcers, diabetes, and gallbladder, kidney or liver disease before taking gemfibrozil. Some dosage adjustments may need to be done. If you are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant, you also need to notify your doctor about this before taking the medication. Especially if you are breastfeeding. Some animal studies show that gemfibrozil produce tumors in unborn babies if taken by the mother during pregnancy.
Drug Interaction: Gemfibrozil may interact with statin medications. These include lovastatin or Mevacor, pravastatin or Pravachol, simvastatin or Zocor, fluvastatin or Lescol and atorvastatin or Lipitor. If gemfibrozil is taken with these statin medications, there is a risk of having a condition called rhabdomyolysis. In this condition the muscle breaks down and this causes the muscle aches. The chemicals that are produced in the breakdown of the muscles can also produce kidney damage. Gemfibrozil can also interact with warfarin and can cause bleeding due to an increased effect of the medicine. Glyburide and other medications used by diabetic patients to reduce sugar levels may also have a drug interaction with gemfibrozil. Also with colestipol and cholestyramine. These medications will reduce the effectiveness of gemfibrozil. The medications should be taken at least two hours apart.
Overdose: In case of an overdose, get immediate medical attention.
Notes: Do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor. You need to follow the prescription and should not be stopped even if you feel well.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Never double up your doses. If it is nearly time for the next one, just skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Important Note: A low-cholesterol and low-fat diet must be followed by patients taking gemfibrozil. The diet must include cottage cheese, fat-free milk, fish that is not canned in oil, vegetables, poultry, egg whites, polyunsaturated oils and margarines. Food with excess fat in them like meat, egg yolks, whole milk, cream, butter, shortening, lard, pastries, cakes and fried foods must be avoided.
Storage: Store gemfibrozil at room temperature. Keep away from excess heat and moisture.
Additional Gemfibrozil information:
Detailed description of patient information
Gemfibrozil-related articles and patient testimonies
