Gemfibrozil

What is Gemfibrozil?

Gemfibrozil assists in reducing cholesterol levels and also the triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood. The presence of high levels of these kinds of fat in the blood can be linked to the likelihood of atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels).

Gemfibrozil can be used in conjunction with a diet to treat excessive cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients suffering from pancreatitis.Gemfibrozil also helps reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, cardiac attack, or other heart problems for those with elevated cholesterol levels and high triglycerides who have not been treated with other methods of treatment.

Warnings

It is not recommended to take gemfibrozil when you suffer from severe kidney or liver conditions, gallbladder disease, or if you're also taking the drugs repaglinide, dasabuvir, and simvastatin.

Before you Take this Drug

Gemfibrozil should not be used in the event that you have an allergy to it. It is particularly true This is true if:

• Serious liver diseases;
• Chronic kidney illness;
• Gallbladder disease;
• If you're taking dasabuvir, repaglinide, or simvastatin.

To make sure that gemfibrozil is safe for you, inform your doctor if you've previously had:

• Gallstones
• If you are also taking warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

It is unclear if gemfibrozil could harm a newborn baby. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.It might not be safe to breastfeed while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about any risks.

How to Take Gemfibrozil?

Use gemfibrozil as directed by your physician. Follow the instructions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets.Gemfibrozil is typically consumed 30 minutes prior to dinner and breakfast. Follow the doctor's dosage instructions extremely carefully.

Gemfibrozil is a small part of a full treatment plan that may include diet, exercise, or weight loss. Be sure to adhere to your food, medication and workout regimens carefully.There is a chance that you will need frequent medical tests. Even if you don't have symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine whether this medication is working.Maintain at room temperature and free of heat, moisture, and light.

Details on Dosage

Usual Adult Dose of Gemfibrozil for Hyperlipidemia

600 mg taken orally twice per day, 30 minutes prior to meals in the morning and at night.
Utilizes as an alternative to a diet in the following circumstances for treating hypertriglyceridemia: Type IV, V, and III hyperlipidemia patients with a risk of pancreatitis and who are not responding well to diet lower the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) only in patients of type IIb patients with no diagnosis or a history of CHD who have not been adequately treated by other non pharmacological or pharmacologic interventions and with low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and high levels of cholesterol levels, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and elevated triglycerides

Usual Adult Dose of Gemfibrozil for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIb (Elevated LDL and VLDL):

600 mg orally, twice a day, 30 minutes prior to breakfast and dinner.
utilizes it as an alternative to a diet in the following circumstances to treat hypertriglyceridemia: Type IV or V hyperlipidemia patients who are at risk of developing pancreatitis and do not respond well to diet reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) only in patients of type IIb with no diagnosis or a history of CHD who have not been adequately treated by other nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments and suffer from low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) as well as increased levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and elevated triglycerides.

Usual Adult Dose of Gemfibrozil for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IV (Elevated VLDL):

600 mg orally, twice a day, 30 minutes prior to breakfast and dinner meals.
utilizes it as an alternative to a diet in the following circumstances to treat hypertriglyceridemia: Type IV, V, and III hyperlipidemia patients with a risk of pancreatitis and who are not responding well to diet lower the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) only in patients of type IIb who do not have a diagnosis or a history of CHD and who have not been adequately treated by other nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions and suffer from low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and high levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and elevated triglycerides.

Usual Adult Dose for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type V (Elevated Chylomicrons and VLDL):

600 mg taken orally twice per day, 30 minutes prior to breakfast and evening meals
utilizes it as an addition to a diet in the following circumstances to treat hypertriglyceridemia: Type IV or V hyperlipidemia patients who are at risk of developing pancreatitis and who are not responding effectively to diet lower the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) only in the case of Type IIb patients with no previous history or signs of CHD who are not responding adequately to other nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions and with low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) as well as increased cholesterol levels, low density lipoprotein (LDL), and elevated triglycerides.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertriglyceridemia:

600 mg orally, twice a day, 30 minutes prior to breakfast and evening meals
utilizes it as an alternative to a diet in the following circumstances to treat hypertriglyceridemia: Type IV or V hyperlipidemia patients who are at risk of pancreatitis and do not respond well to diet reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) only in the case of Type IIb patients with no diagnosis or a history of CHD who are not responding adequately to other pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic interventions and with low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and increased cholesterol levels, low density lipoprotein (LDL), and elevated triglycerides.

Usual Adult Dose for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease:

600 mg taken orally twice per day, 30 minutes prior to breakfast and evening meals
utilizes it as an addition to a diet in these circumstances to treat hypertriglyceridemia. Type IV, V, and III hyperlipidemia patients with a risk of pancreatitis and who are not responding well to diet reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) only in patients of type IIb with no diagnosis or a history of CHD who have not been adequately treated by other non pharmacological or pharmacologic treatments and suffer from low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) as well as increased cholesterol levels, low density lipoprotein (LDL), and elevated triglycerides.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not take your missed dose if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.

What Happens If I Overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What Should be Avoided?

Beware of foods that are high in cholesterol or fat. Gemfibrozil may not be as effective.Do not drink alcohol. It could cause problems with your treatment.

Side effects of Gemfibrozil

See a doctor immediately. If you show symptoms that are warning signs of an allergy reaction with gemfibrozil, such as hives, breathing problems, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,

In rare instances, the drug can trigger an illness that causes the destruction of skeletal muscle tissue, which can lead to the kidney failing. Contact your physician immediately in the event of unintentional muscle tenderness, pain, or weakness, especially when you experience fatigue, fever, and dark-colored urine.

Make sure to contact your doctor at any time if you suffer from:

• Sharp abdominal pain (especially following a meal);
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
• Burning or pain after you urinate;
• Eyes, night vision blurriness, or seeing halos in lights, as well as
• Low blood cells pale skin, easily bruising, abnormal bleeding, fatigue, feeling lightheaded or breathless, and cold feet and hands.

Gemfibrozil's common side effects are:

• Stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhea;
• Sensation of tingling or numbness;
• Dizziness, drowsiness;
• Blurred vision
• Joint or muscle pain
• Loss of interest in sexual activity; impotence

This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Utilizing certain medications in conjunction with gemfibrozil could increase the risk of developing serious muscular problems. It is crucial to inform your physician of any medications you take, start, or stop using, in particular:

• Colchicine
• A "statin" cholesterol-lowering medicine: atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, Crestor, Lipitor, Zocor, Vytorin, and others.

The list below is not exhaustive, and other medications may interfere with gemfibrozil. It includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins and herbs. Some interactions with drugs are listed here.