The following information is a summary about Lopid. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
What is gemfibrozil?
The exact way that gemfibrozil works to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in
the blood is not known. High levels of fat in the blood are associated with an increased chance of
heart disease, strokes, and other illnesses.
Gemfibrozil is used to lower high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Gemfibrozil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about gemfibrozil?
Follow any special diet and exercise plan recommended by your doctor while taking this
medication. Diet and exercise are important factors in regulating cholesterol.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gemfibrozil?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
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liver disease;
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kidney disease; or
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gallbladder disease.
You may not be able to take gemfibrozil, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Gemfibrozil is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether gemfibrozil will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether gemfibrozil passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take gemfibrozil?
Take gemfibrozil exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Gemfibrozil is usually taken twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. Follow
your doctor's instructions.
It is important to take gemfibrozil regularly to get the most benefit.
Do not stop taking gemfibrozil unless directed by your doctor. It may take up to 3 months for
you to see the effects of this medication.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment
with gemfibrozil to monitor progress and side effects.
Store gemfibrozil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a
double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of this medication is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room or poison
control center for advice.
Symptoms of a gemfibrozil overdose may include diarrhea, headache, and muscle pain.
What should I avoid while taking gemfibrozil?
Follow any special diet and exercise plan recommended by your doctor while taking this
medication. Diet and exercise are important factors in regulating cholesterol.
Use caution driving, operating machinery, and performing other hazardous activities
until you know how gemfibrozil affects you. It may cause some drowsiness or dizziness, especially
at the start of therapy.
Gemfibrozil side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking gemfibrozil and
seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat;
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nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or clay-colored stools;
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yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice);
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rash or itching;
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sores in the mouth or on your lips;
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swollen legs or feet;
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chills, fever, or blood in the urine; or
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muscle aches, pain, or cramping.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take gemfibrozil and talk to your doctor if you experience
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect gemfibrozil?
Gemfibrozil may increase the effects of the following drugs, which could lead to dangerous
side effects:
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an anticoagulants (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);
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insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as
chlorpropamide (Diabenese), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, DiaBeta, Glynase),
tolbutamide (Orinase), tolazamide (Tolinase), and acetohexamide (Dymelor), and others; or
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another cholesterol-lowering drug such as atorvastatin
(Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin
(Lescol, Lescol XL) .
You may not be able to take gemfibrozil, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the drugs listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with gemfibrozil. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins,
minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
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Your pharmacist has additional information about gemfibrozil written for health
professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Gemfibrozil is available with a prescription under the brand name Lopid. Other brand or
generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this
medication, especially if it is new to you.
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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
