gemfibrozil

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.

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.

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.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may interfere with your treatment.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your liver and kidney function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

What is gemfibrozil?

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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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 have:

• liver disease;
• severe kidney disease;
• gallbladder disease; or
• if are also taking repaglinide (Prandin) to treat type 2 diabetes.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether gemfibrozil will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether gemfibrozil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking gemfibrozil.

How should I take gemfibrozil?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller 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.

Use gemfibrozil regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your liver and kidney function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

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.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

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.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may interfere with your treatment.

If you are also taking cholestyramine (Questran), colestipol (Colestid), colesevelam (Welchol), avoid taking any of these medicines within 2 hours before or after you take gemfibrozil.

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;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine; or
• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin.

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach;
• mild stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
• mild joint or muscle pain;
• loss of interest in sex, impotence, difficulty having an orgasm;
• numbness or tingly feeling; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

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 other drugs will affect gemfibrozil?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
• insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth; or
• another cholesterol-lowering drug such as atorvastatin (Lipitor, Caduet), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev, Advicor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), or simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with gemfibrozil. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about gemfibrozil.