Gemfibrozil - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Gemfibrozil is a drug for lowering triglycerides (a type of blood fat). This drug can also help reduce levels of LDL or bad cholesterol and increase levels of HDL or good cholesterol in the blood.

Gemfibrozil is a fibrate drug. This drug works by decreasing the production of fat by the liver. To increase its effectiveness, the use of gemfibrozil must be accompanied by dietary adjustments.

gemfibrozil trademark:Gemfibrozil, Hypofil, Lapibroz, Lipira 300, Lipres

What's thatGemfibrozil

groupFibrates
CategoryPrescription drugs
BenefitLowering triglyceride levels in hyperlipidemic patients
Consumed byMature
Gemfibrozil for pregnant and lactating womenCategory C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.

Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether gemfibrozil is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor.

Drug formTablets and capsules

Precautions Before Taking Gemfibrozil:

Gemfibrozil should only be used with a doctor's prescription. Before using gemfibrozil, you need to pay attention to the following things:

  • Do not take gemfibrozil if you are allergic to this drug.
  • Do not take gemfibrozil if you are taking colchicine or a statin drug, such as simvastatin.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, gallstones, or cataracts.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
  • If you have an allergic drug reaction or overdose after taking gemfibrozil, see your doctor immediately.

Dosage and Instructions for UseGemfibrozil

The doctor will determine the dose and duration of treatment with gemfibrozil according to the patient's condition. The dose of gemfibrozil recommended by doctors to treat hyperlipidemia is 1.2 grams per day divided into 2 consumption schedules, or 900 mg 1 time a day in the afternoon or evening.

How to Use Gemfibrozil dit's true

Be sure to read the instructions on the medicine package and follow your doctor's advice before taking gemfibrozil. Do not increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Gemfibrozil should be taken 30 minutes before breakfast or dinner. Take gemfibrozil with the help of a glass of water.

If the patient is also taking other cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as cholestyramine, take gemfibrozil 1 hour before taking these drugs or 4–6 hours after.

Take gemfibrozil regularly at the same time each day. For patients who forget to take gemfibozil, it is recommended to do so immediately if the interval with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.

Store gemfibrozil in a place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Interaction Gemfibrozil with other drugs

There are several drug interactions that can occur if gemfibrozil is used in combination with other medicines, including:

  • Increased risk of hypoglycaemia when used with repaglinide or pioglitazone

  • Increased risk of liver damage and rhabdomyolysis when used with colchicine or statin drugs, such as simvastatin, fluvastatin, and atorvastatin

  • Increased blood levels of rosiglitazone, loperamide, or bexarotene
  • Increased risk of bleeding if used with warfarin or dicumarol
  • Decreased effectiveness of gemfibrozil when used with cholestyramine
  • Increased risk of QT prolongation with dasabuvir or ritonavir

Side Effects and DangersGemfibrozil

Some of the side effects that can occur after using gemfibrozil are:

  • Stomach ache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizzy
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness

Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not subside or are getting worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:

  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
  • Blurred vision
  • Easy bruising
  • Dyspepsia
  • atrial fibrillation