So, just so I'm clear ... The instruction to take Gemfibrozil 30 minutes before eating is not because it is blocking anything during digestion (preventing fat absorption, or something) -- but just so that you'll have an empty stomach when you take it; right? I could conceivably take my first pill at 8 in the morning and not eat lunch until noon; then take the second pill a couple of hours after I eat dinner, with no plans to eat again that night. Is that right?
Gemfibrozil and meal timing?
Question posted by HighTris on 4 Feb 2015
Last updated on 25 September 2019
Answers
mm0610
25 Sep 2019
According to my PCP, you should take it 30 min before a meal because prepares your body to block the absorption of fats/cholesterol, etc. So I would think no matter your schedule take it at the first and last meals. I forget to take it ahead of time quite often and was told to just take it WITH the meal if that were the case.
mm0610
25 Sep 2019
So I just realized this question was from 2015. My bad. Maybe the answer will help someone else. lol
kaismama
4 Feb 2015
You don't quite get medical speak. Take 30 min before morning and evening meal means just that. Take at least 30 min before meals would mean any time as long as you take them at least30 min before would mean what you said. There is a reason it's to be that way, usually because they found it changed the absorption.
HighTris
4 Feb 2015
You're right that I don't get medical speak; that's why I was looking for a community of folks to answer my question. Your answer leads me to other questions, like "how does it affect the absorption?" and (the real reason I asked:) "what if my schedule doesn't allow for regular meal times -- is it better to take the medicine at regular intervals without food, or at irregular intervals right before meals -- even if that means a very irregular schedule?" But I should probably go back to the pharmacy or call my doctor so that they can explain the medical speak more clearly to me.
Related topics
Further information
- Gemfibrozil uses and safety info
- Gemfibrozil prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Gemfibrozil (detailed)
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