GEMFIBROZIL - ORAL

GEMFIBROZIL - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (jem-FYE-broh-zill)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lopid

GENERIC NAME(S): gemfibrozil

Uses

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 also 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 GEMFIBROZIL - ORAL

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. It is important to continue 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

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, stomach/abdominal pain, or unusual taste may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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. If you notice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects, tell your doctor right away: severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, 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 any of these rare but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, irregular heartbeat, numbness/tingling of arms/legs. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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

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 cirrhosis), 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). This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

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 pioglitazone, selexipag, a certain combination product used to treat chronic hepatitis C (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir), among others.

Overdose

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. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

GEMFIBROZIL 600 MG TABLET

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I G, 225

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C17

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C17
GEMFIBROZIL 600 MG TABLET

color
white
shape
oblong
imprint
I G, 225
GEMFIBROZIL 600 MG TABLET

color
white
shape
oblong
imprint
I G, 225
GEMFIBROZIL 600 MG TABLET

color
white
shape
oblong
imprint
I G, 225

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Faq for GEMFIBROZIL - ORAL

Gemfibrozil is used to lower triglyceride levels and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in the blood. It is typically prescribed to treat conditions like hypertriglyceridemia and mixed dyslipidemia.

Gemfibrozil is usually taken orally, with or without food, usually twice a day. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and timing.

Common side effects of gemfibrozil include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and muscle pain. Serious side effects may include severe stomach pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, signs of infection, and allergic reactions. It is advisable to seek immediate medical attention if any severe side effects occur.

Gemfibrozil may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, statins, and certain antibiotics. It is important to inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.

The effects of gemfibrozil may vary from person to person. Some individuals may notice improvements in their lipid levels within a few weeks, while others may take longer. It is essential to continue taking the medication as prescribed and follow up with your doctor for monitoring.

It is advisable to follow a healthy diet while taking gemfibrozil, which includes reducing the consumption of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods. Consult your doctor or a registered dietitian to develop an appropriate dietary plan.

Gemfibrozil is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly needed. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider for the best course of action.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. It is essential not to double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Abruptly stopping gemfibrozil may increase the risk of triglyceride levels rising again. It is important to consult with your doctor before discontinuing the medication.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.