Uses

Gemfibrozil is used along with a proper diet to help lower fats (triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It may also help to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL). Gemfibrozil belongs to a group of drugs known as "fibrates." It works by decreasing the amount of fat produced by the liver. Lowering triglycerides in people with very high triglyceride blood levels may decrease the risk of pancreas disease (pancreatitis). However, gemfibrozil might not lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor about the risk and benefits of gemfibrozil.

In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, drinking less alcohol, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day (30 minutes before your morning and evening meals).

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take gemfibrozil at least 1 hour before or at least 4-6 hours after taking these medications. These products can react with gemfibrozil, preventing its full absorption.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same times each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol/triglycerides do not feel sick.

It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 3 months before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Side Effects

Stomach upset, stomach/abdominal pain, or unusual taste may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may rarely cause gallstones and liver problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any of these serious side effects:

• nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
• severe stomach/abdominal pain
• yellowing eyes/skin
• dark urine

This drug may rarely cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis). Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms:

• muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness)
• signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever)
• easy bruising/bleeding
• unusual tiredness
• irregular heartbeat
• numbness/tingling of arms/legs

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking gemfibrozil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "fibrates" (such as fenofibrate); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• liver disease (such as biliary cholangitis, hepatitis)
• gallbladder disease
• kidney disease
• alcohol use

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using gemfibrozil. Gemfibrozil may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

• asunaprevir
• "blood thinners" (such as warfarin)
• colchicine
• repaglinide
• "statin" drugs (such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin)

This medication can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include daprodustat, elagolix, irinotecan, pioglitazone, selexipag, a certain combination product used to treat chronic hepatitis C (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir), among others.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as cholesterol/triglyceride levels, kidney/liver function, complete blood count) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.