gemfibrozil

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gemfibrozil or if you have gallbladder disease, liver disease, or severe kidney disease.

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.

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.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

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.

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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gemfibrozil or have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

• liver disease;
• severe kidney disease; or
• gallbladder disease.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, or gallbladder disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use gemfibrozil.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether gemfibrozil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger 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.

It is important to use gemfibrozil regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

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.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store gemfibrozil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and joint or muscle pain.

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.

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; or
• pain or burning when you urinate.

Less serious side effects may include:

• heartburn, upset stomach;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain;
• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• drowsiness, tired feeling;
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
• cough or cold symptoms;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• joint or muscle pain;
• mild skin rash; or
• blurred vision.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

Before taking this gemfibrozil, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
• insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth; or
• another cholesterol-lowering drug such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with gemfibrozil. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about gemfibrozil.