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Gemfibrozil

Generic name: gemfibrozil [ jem-FYE-broe-zil ]
Brand name: Lopid
Dosage form: oral tablet (600 mg)
Drug class: Fibric acid derivatives

Medically reviewed by Kaci Durbin, MD. Last updated on Feb 22, 2024.

What is gemfibrozil?

Gemfibrozil helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood. High levels of these types of fat in the blood are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).

Gemfibrozil is used together with diet to treat very high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with pancreatitis.

Gemfibrozil is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in certain people with high cholesterol and triglycerides who have not been helped by other treatment methods.

Warnings

You should not take gemfibrozil if you have severe liver or kidney disease, gallbladder disease, or if you are also taking repaglinide, dasabuvir, or simvastatin.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use gemfibrozil if you are allergic to it, if you have:

To make sure gemfibrozil is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had::

It is not known whether gemfibrozil will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How should I take gemfibrozil?

Take gemfibrozil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Gemfibrozil is usually taken 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Gemfibrozil is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

You may need frequent medical tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Gemfibrozil for Hyperlipidemia:

600 mg orally twice a day, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals

Uses: As an adjunct to diet in the following situations: to treat hypertriglyceridemia in Types IV and V hyperlipidemia in patients who present at risk for pancreatitis and who do not respond adequately to diet; to reduce the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) only in Type IIb patients without a history of or symptoms of existing CHD who have not responded adequately to other pharmacologic agents and nonpharmacologic interventions and who have low high density lipoprotein (HDL), elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL), and elevated triglycerides

Usual Adult Dose of Gemfibrozil for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIb (Elevated LDL + VLDL):

600 mg orally twice a day, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals

Uses: As an adjunct to diet in the following situations: to treat hypertriglyceridemia in Types IV and V hyperlipidemia in patients who present at risk for pancreatitis and who do not respond adequately to diet; to reduce the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) only in Type IIb patients without a history of or symptoms of existing CHD who have not responded adequately to other pharmacologic agents and nonpharmacologic interventions and who have low high density lipoprotein (HDL), elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL), and elevated triglycerides

Usual Adult Dose of Gemfibrozil for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IV (Elevated VLDL):

600 mg orally twice a day, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals

Uses: As an adjunct to diet in the following situations: to treat hypertriglyceridemia in Types IV and V hyperlipidemia in patients who present at risk for pancreatitis and who do not respond adequately to diet; to reduce the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) only in Type IIb patients without a history of or symptoms of existing CHD who have not responded adequately to other pharmacologic agents and nonpharmacologic interventions and who have low high density lipoprotein (HDL), elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL), and elevated triglycerides

Usual Adult Dose for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type V (Elevated Chylomicrons + VLDL):

600 mg orally twice a day, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals

Uses: As an adjunct to diet in the following situations: to treat hypertriglyceridemia in Types IV and V hyperlipidemia in patients who present at risk for pancreatitis and who do not respond adequately to diet; to reduce the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) only in Type IIb patients without a history of or symptoms of existing CHD who have not responded adequately to other pharmacologic agents and nonpharmacologic interventions and who have low high density lipoprotein (HDL), elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL), and elevated triglycerides

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertriglyceridemia:

600 mg orally twice a day, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals

Uses: As an adjunct to diet in the following situations: to treat hypertriglyceridemia in Types IV and V hyperlipidemia in patients who present at risk for pancreatitis and who do not respond adequately to diet; to reduce the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) only in Type IIb patients without a history of or symptoms of existing CHD who have not responded adequately to other pharmacologic agents and nonpharmacologic interventions and who have low high density lipoprotein (HDL), elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL), and elevated triglycerides

Usual Adult Dose for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease:

600 mg orally twice a day, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals

Uses: As an adjunct to diet in the following situations: to treat hypertriglyceridemia in Types IV and V hyperlipidemia in patients who present at risk for pancreatitis and who do not respond adequately to diet; to reduce the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) only in Type IIb patients without a history of or symptoms of existing CHD who have not responded adequately to other pharmacologic agents and nonpharmacologic interventions and who have low high density lipoprotein (HDL), elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL), and elevated triglycerides

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking gemfibrozil?

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or gemfibrozil will not be as effective.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may interfere with your treatment.

Gemfibrozil side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to gemfibrozil: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, gemfibrozil can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

Common gemfibrozil side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect gemfibrozil?

Using certain medicines together with gemfibrozil can increase your risk of serious muscle problems. It is very important to tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may interact with gemfibrozil. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use gemfibrozil only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.