Common uses

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.

Before using

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gemfibrozil or have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:
• liver disease;
• severe kidney disease; or
• gallbladder disease.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, or gallbladder disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use gemfibrozil.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. 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.

Directions

Gemfibrozil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals. Take gemfibrozil at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take gemfibrozil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Gemfibrozil controls high cholesterol and triglycerides but does not cure them. Continue to take gemfibrozil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking gemfibrozil without talking to your doctor.

Cautions

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gemfibrozil 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.

Possible side effects

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
• pain or burning when you urinate.
Less serious side effects may include:
• heartburn, upset stomach;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain;
• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• drowsiness, tired feeling;
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
• cough or cold symptoms;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• joint or muscle pain;
• mild skin rash; or
• blurred vision.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

If you take too much

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and joint or muscle pain.

Additional information

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.

Drug interactions

Gemfibrozil may increase the effects of the following drugs, which could lead to dangerous side effects:
• an anticoagulants (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);
• insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as chlorpropamide (Diabenese), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, DiaBeta, Glynase), tolbutamide (Orinase), tolazamide (Tolinase), and acetohexamide (Dymelor), and others; or
• another cholesterol-lowering drug such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL) .
You may not be able to take gemfibrozil, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the drugs listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with gemfibrozil. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.