Drugs & Vitamins

Gemfibrozil Active Ingredients: Gemfibrozil   Representative Names: Lopid Available Product Images: What are gemfibrozil tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with gemfibrozil? What side effects may I notice from taking gemfibrozil? What should I watch for while taking gemfibrozil? Where can I keep my medicine? What are gemfibrozil tablets? (Back to top) GEMFIBROZIL(Lopid®) can help prevent cholesterol clogging blood vessels. It lowers blood fats and cholesterol for patients who are at risk of getting heart disease or a stroke. It is only for patients whose cholesterol level is not controlled by diet. It is not a cure. Generic gemfibrozil tablets are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •gallbladder disease •kidney disease •liver disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to gemfibrozil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take gemfibrozil tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses twice a day, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meal unless otherwise directed. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with gemfibrozil? (Back to top) •bexarotene •doxercalciferol •medicines for diabetes •other medications used to lower cholesterol, like colestipol, and the 'statin' drugs like atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin or simvastatin •ursodiol •warfarin •red yeast rice Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking gemfibrozil? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •cough or hoarseness •dark yellow or brown urine •fever or chills •lower back or side pain •stomach pain with nausea and vomiting •muscle pain •pain or difficulty passing urine •unusual tiredness •yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •blurred vision •drowsiness, dizziness •headache •sexual dysfunction (loss of sexual desire) •stomach gas, heartburn What should I watch for while taking gemfibrozil? (Back to top) Gemfibrozil will not cure your condition, but taken regularly it will help keep down your cholesterol level. Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking gemfibrozil, except on your prescriber's advice. Gemfibrozil is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your physician or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule. If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking gemfibrozil. If you are diabetic, the dose of your antidiabetic medicine may need to be changed. Gemfibrozil can increase your blood sugar levels. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change the dose of your diabetic medicine. You may get drowsy or have blurred vision; until you know how gemfibrozil affects you, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:08/14/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.