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Gemfibrozil

(other types of Gemfibrozil)
brand name(s): Lopid (learn more about brand vs. generic drugs)

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Information on Gemfibrozil

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Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .

Tablets
Chemical Name: GEMFIBROZIL (gem-FI-broe-zil)

Common uses
This medicine is a lipid-regulating agent used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking repaglinide or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, atorvastatin, lovastatin or simvastatin). If you are currently taking any of these medicines, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking bexarotene, high dose niacin (1 gram or more per day), oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), sulfonylureas (eg, glipizide or glyburide), or thiazolidinediones (eg, pioglitazone or troglitazone). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have severe cirrhosis or liver problems, gallstones or gallbladder problems, or severe kidney problems. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE 30 minutes before morning and evening meals unless directed otherwise by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE IS MOST EFFECTIVE when used with a diet that reduces the intake of cholesterol and saturated fats, and an exercise program. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function, kidney function, blood cholesterol, and blood counts may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, along with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially liver or kidney problems. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea, indigestion, or stomach pain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience abnormal heartbeat; blurred vision; decreased sexual ability; depression; joint pain; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (with or without fever and fatigue); numbness and tingling; painful or frequent urination; persistent or severe diarrhea, dizziness, headache, or stomach pain; sore throat or fever; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; or unusual hoarseness. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include diarrhea, joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, and stomach cramps.

Additional information
FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.