Brand Name
pms-Gemfibrozil
Common Name
gemfibrozil
In this drug factsheet:
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- diarrhea
- nausea or vomiting
- skin rash
- stomach pain, gas, or heartburn
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- muscle pain
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
- cough or hoarseness
- fever or chills
- lower back or side pain
- painful or difficult urination
- stomach pain (severe) with nausea and vomiting
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Liver function: People who have a history of liver disorders or jaundice should use gemfibrozil with caution. People taking gemfibrozil need to have their liver function tested regularly while they are on this medication.
Medical conditions: This medication may increase the risk for gallstones.
Pregnancy: Strict birth control methods must be used by women who may become pregnant while taking this medication. If you become pregnant despite using birth control, stop taking gemfibrozil contact your doctor. Women who are planning pregnancy should stop taking gemfibrozil several months before conception.
Breast-feeding: This medication should not be taken by breast-feeding mothers. A decision should be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or discontinue gemfibrozil, taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between gemfibrozil and any of the following:
- cholestyramine
- colestipol
- cyclosporine
- repaglinide
- "statin" medications (e.g., atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, rosuvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin)
- warfarin
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
