Before taking Gemfibrozil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies.
Gemfibrozil should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: liver disease (e.g., primary biliary cirrhosis), gallbladder disease, severe kidney disease.
Before using Gemfibrozil, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes (poorly controlled), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), alcohol use.
The rare development of severe muscle damage (see Side Effects) can infrequently lead to serious kidney problems. Gemfibrozil is usually stopped temporarily if you have any condition which can increase your risk of developing kidney problems. Before stopping your medication, notify your doctor immediately if you have any of the following conditions: major surgery, trauma, serious illness (e.g., sepsis, severe metabolic/endocrine/electrolyte disorders), very low blood pressure, uncontrolled seizures.
Gemfibrozil may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Gemfibrozil should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether Gemfibrozil passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using Gemfibrozil. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store the US product at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Store the Canadian product at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Take Gemfibrozil by mouth usually twice a day, 30 minutes before your morning and evening meals, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage of Gemfibrozil is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Use Gemfibrozil regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use Gemfibrozil at the same times each day. It may take between 1-3 months before the full benefit of Gemfibrozil takes effect.
It is important to continue taking Gemfibrozil even if you feel well. Most people with high triglycerides or cholesterol do not feel sick.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Stomach upset, stomach/abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness, unusual taste, numbness/tingling of hands/feet, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Gemfibrozil because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Gemfibrozil do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: decreased sexual desire or ability, depression.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual fatigue, irregular heartbeat.
Gemfibrozil may infrequently cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a very serious, possibly fatal, condition called rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking Gemfibrozil and tell your doctor immediately if you develop: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), unusual change in the amount of urine.
Gemfibrozil may infrequently cause abdominal problems (e.g., gallstones, gallbladder disease requiring surgery). Stop taking Gemfibrozil and tell your doctor immediately if you develop: severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual tiredness.
A serious allergic reaction to Gemfibrozil is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, 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.
Click HERE to learn more about Gemfibrozil side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Gemfibrozil, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Gemfibrozil should not be used with the following medication because very serious effects (very low blood sugar) may occur: repaglinide.
Also, itraconazole should not be used in combination with repaglinide and Gemfibrozil because extremely low blood sugar could occur.
If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Gemfibrozil.
Use caution if the following drugs are combined with Gemfibrozil because serious side effects such as muscle injury (myopathy) could infrequently occur: certain statin drugs (e.g., lovastatin, simvastatin), high dose niacin (1 gram or more per day).
Before using Gemfibrozil, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), ezetimibe, rosiglitazone, drugs which may affect blood triglyceride levels (e.g., estrogens).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.