Gemfibrozil helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood. High levels of
these types of fat in the blood are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis (clogged
arteries).
Gemfibrozil is used to treat very high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with
pancreatitis.
Gemfibrozil is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in
people with high cholesterol and triglycerides who have not been helped by other treatment methods.
Gemfibrozil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What does gemfibrozil look like?
Gemfibrozil 600 mg-WC
Gemfibrozil 600 mg-WAT
Gemfibrozil 600 mg-TEV
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gemfibrozil?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gemfibrozil, if you are also taking
repaglinide (Prandin), or if you have:
liver disease;
severe kidney disease; or
gallbladder disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether gemfibrozil is
harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether gemfibrozil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take gemfibrozil?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or
for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Gemfibrozil is usually taken twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. Follow your
doctor's instructions.
It is important to use gemfibrozil regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled
before you run out of medicine completely.
Gemfibrozil is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and
weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a
regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled
appointments.
Store gemfibrozil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of gemfibrozil?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait
until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra medicine
to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about gemfibrozil?
Your pharmacist has information about gemfibrozil written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of gemfibrozil?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
sharp pain in your upper stomach (especially after eating);
jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; or
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about gemfibrozil?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gemfibrozil, if you are also taking
repaglinide (Prandin), or if you have gallbladder disease, liver disease, or severe kidney disease.
Gemfibrozil is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and
weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Gemfibrozil will not be as effective in
lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a
regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled
appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as sharp pain in your upper
stomach (especially after eating), jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes), blurred vision, eye pain, or
seeing halos around lights, or pain or burning when you urinate.
What should I avoid while taking gemfibrozil?
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Gemfibrozil will not be as effective in
lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
What other drugs will affect gemfibrozil?
Before taking this gemfibrozil, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth; or
another cholesterol-lowering drug such as atorvastatin
(Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol),
fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
gemfibrozil. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins,
minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication
without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of gemfibrozil?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009