Gemfibrozil belongs to the class of medications known as fibrates. It is used to treat high cholesterol. It works by blocking the production of certain types of cholesterol, especially the type known as triglycerides. Gemfibrozil is used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Reduction of cholesterol levels has been shown to reduce the risks associated with heart disease, such as heart attack.

Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use this medication?

The recommended adult dose of gemfibrozil is 600 mg twice daily 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals. The maximum daily recommended dose of gemfibrozil is 1500 mg.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones above, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you forget a dose of this medication take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double-up on doses.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

300 mg: Each maroon and white capsule, identified "NU 300", contains gemfibrozil 300 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, povidone, D&C Red No. 33, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide. Sodium: <1 mmol (0.38 mg).

600 mg: Each white, oval, film-coated tablet, identified "NU-600" on one side, contains gemfibrozil 600 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, povidone, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide. Sodium: <1 mmol (0.76 mg).

This medication does not contain gluten or tartrazine.

Gemfibrozil should not be taken by anyone who:

• has severe liver disease, kidney disease, or gallbladder disease
• is allergic to gemfibrozil or any of the ingredients of the medication
• is allergic to fenofibrate or any other of the class of "fibrates" (e.g., clofibrate, bezafibrate)
• is pregnant
• is breast-feeding
• has a disorder known as Type 1 hyperlipoproteinemia

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. Your health professional may be able to help you to deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if the following side effects continue or become bothersome.

More common

• stomach pain, gas, or heartburn

Less common

• diarrhea
• nausea or vomiting
• skin rash

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• muscle pain
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• 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?

Use with "statin" medications: Medications from another class of cholesterol-lowering agents known as "statins" (e.g., simvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin) should not be used at the same time as gemfibrozil. This combination of medications can lead to a serious condition known as rhabdomyolysis, which may lead to kidney failure. The symptoms of rhabdomyolysis are severe muscle pain, muscle tenderness, weakness, and fever. If you notice these symptoms, contact your doctor right away.

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 pregnancy occurs despite birth control methods, gemfibrozil should be stopped and the doctor should be contacted. Women who are planning pregnancy should stop taking gemfibrozil several months before conception.

Breast-feeding: This medication should not be taken by nursing mothers. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for use by children.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

The following medications may affect the way that gemfibrozil works or increase the risk of side effects:

• cholestyramine
• colestipol
• "statin" medications (e.g., atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin)

Gemfibrozil may affect the way the following medications work:

• cyclosporine
• 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. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than the ones listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, decongestants, 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.