Precautions
If you are taking two doses per day, it is best to take the medicine 30 minutes before your breakfast and evening meal. If you are taking colestipol, take it at least 2 hours before or after taking gemfibrozil. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients.
What is the best time of day to take gemfibrozil?
How to use Gemfibrozil. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day (30 minutes before your morning and evening meals). Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
How do you take gemfibrozil?
How to use Gemfibrozil. It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 3 months before you get the full benefit of this drug.
How long does it take for gemfibrozil to work?
Usual Adult Dose of Gemfibrozil for Hyperlipidemia: 600 mg orally twice a day, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals
How many mg of gemfibrozil should I take for hyperlipidemia?
When should I stop taking gemfibrozil?
Administration for two to three months is necessary before evaluating efficacy. Treatment discontinuation is recommended if there is an inadequate response within two to three months of receiving gemfibrozil therapy.
What happens when you stop taking gemfibrozil?
Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. When you stop taking this medicine, your blood cholesterol levels may increase again. Your doctor may want you to follow a special diet to help prevent this from happening.
What are the long term side effects of gemfibrozil?
Serious side effects of gemfibrozil include: Severe stomach/abdominal pain. Persistent nausea or vomiting. Yellowing eyes or skin (jaundice)...What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Gemfibrozil?Indigestion/heartburn.Stomach/abdominal pain.Atrial fibrillation.Diarrhea.Fatigue.Nausea.Vomiting.Eczema.More items...
Does gemfibrozil affect the liver?
Gemfibrozil therapy is associated with mild and transient serum aminotransferase elevations and with rare instances of acute liver injury.
What can I take instead of gemfibrozil?
Atorvastatin.Simvastatin.Lipitor.Zetia.Crestor.Repatha.
Can triglycerides medicine be stopped?
Don't risk your health by stopping medicine without your doctor's approval. If something is making you want to quit, think about how to fix the problem. Reason for Quitting: Side effects such as stomach upset from fibrates or a sudden redness of the face, neck, or upper chest (called flushing) from niacin.
How long does it take for gemfibrozil to lower triglycerides?
Most people with high cholesterol/triglycerides do not feel sick. It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 3 months before you get the full benefit of this drug.
Does gemfibrozil make you gain weight?
Results: With gemfibrozil significantly more subjects lost weight (51.7% versus 38.6%, P<0.0001) and significantly fewer subjects gained weight (42.5% versus 54.0%, P<0.0001) than with placebo.
Does gemfibrozil make you tired?
dizziness, drowsiness; blurred vision; muscle or joint pain; or. loss of interest in sex, impotence.
Does gemfibrozil cause memory loss?
Gemfibrozil, used for elevated cholesterol, also is reported to cause memory disorders, as are the more commonly used class of cholesterol drugs, the statins.
Does gemfibrozil cause hair loss?
Statins, which are drugs that lower cholesterol, can cause hair loss. These include: Atromid-S (clofibrate) Lopid (gemfibrozil)
What does gemfibrozil do for the body?
Gemfibrozil is used together with a proper diet to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood. This may help prevent the development of pancreatitis (inflammation or swelling of the pancreas) caused by high levels of triglycerides in the blood.
What does gemfibrozil do for the body?
Gemfibrozil is used together with a proper diet to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood. This may help prevent the development of pancreatitis (inflammation or swelling of the pancreas) caused by high levels of triglycerides in the blood.
What happens when you stop statins cold turkey?
If you're taking a statin medication to lower your cholesterol, you will need to keep taking your prescription, or your cholesterol will likely go back up. Stopping your statin can put you at risk of having heart disease and other preventable health problems like stroke and heart attack from high cholesterol.
Does gemfibrozil cause weight gain?
Results: With gemfibrozil significantly more subjects lost weight (51.7% versus 38.6%, P<0.0001) and significantly fewer subjects gained weight (42.5% versus 54.0%, P<0.0001) than with placebo.
Does gemfibrozil make you tired?
dizziness, drowsiness; blurred vision; muscle or joint pain; or. loss of interest in sex, impotence.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use gemfibrozil if you are allergic to it, if you have: 1. severe liver disease; 2. severe kidney disease; 3. gallbladder disease; o...
How Should I Take Gemfibrozil?
Gemfibrozil is usually taken twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner.Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this...
Gemfibrozil Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Hyperlipidemia:600 mg orally twice a day, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meal.See also: Dosage Information (in more...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Gemfibrozil?
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Gemfibrozil will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a ch...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Gemfibrozil?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. Certain other drugs can increase your risk of serious muscle problems, and it is very important...
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).
What happens if you are allergic to gemfibrozil?
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.
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:
Can gemfibrozil harm a baby?
It is not known whether gemfibrozil will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Is gemfibrozil safe for kidney disease?
severe kidney disease; gallbladder disease; or. if you are also taking repaglinide, dasabuvir, or simvastatin. To make sure gemfibrozil is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:: gallstones; or. if you also take warfarin ( Coumadin, Jantoven ). It is not known whether gemfibrozil will harm an unborn baby.
Can you take gemfibrozil with repaglinide?
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.
Does gemfibrozil interact with other drugs?
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.
Before Using
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Proper Use
Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly to lower your cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
How long before eating should I take Gemfibrozil?
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?
Why should I take a saline pill 30 minutes before a meal?
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.
How long after taking gemfibrozil can you take cholesterol medication?
Also, certain cholesterol drugs can decrease the effects of gemfibrozil. To prevent this, you should take these medications two hours or more after taking gemfibrozil. Examples of these drugs include:
How does Gemfibrozil work?
Gemfibrozil works by changing the amount of cholesterol and other fats (lipids) in your body. Gemfibrozil lowers triglyceride levels and raises HDL cholesterol levels. (HDL is considered a good type of cholesterol.)
What to do if you have serious side effects?
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
Can you take gemfibrozil with Montelukast?
Montelukast is used to treat allergies and asthma. Taking gemfibrozil with it may increase your risk of side effects. Your doctor may lower your dosage of this drug if you need to take it with gemfibrozil.
Does Gemfibrozil make you sleepy?
Gemfibrozil doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.
Does Gemfibrozil lower triglycerides?
Gemfibrozil is used to lower your levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood. Very high levels of triglycerides raise your risk of pancreatitis.
Can Gemfibrozil cause gallstones?
Gallstones warning: Gemfibrozil may cause you to develop gallstones. If you develop gallstones, you should stop using this drug.
How to take Gemfibrozil?
How to use Gemfibrozil. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day (30 minutes before your morning and evening meals). Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine ...
How does Gemfibrozil work?
Gemfibrozil belongs to a group of drugs known as "fibrates.". It works by decreasing the amount of fat produced by the liver. Lowering triglycerides in people with very high triglyceride blood levels may decrease the risk of pancreas disease ( pancreatitis ).
What to do if side effects persist?
If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
How to report gemfibrozil side effects?
You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Precautions. Before taking gemfibrozil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "fibrates" ...
Where to store a syringe?
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Can you take gemfibrozil if you are allergic to it?
Before taking gemfibrozil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "fibrates" (such as fenofibrate ); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Are you currently using Gemfibrozil?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.
Why is Gemfibrozil prescribed?
Why is this medication prescribed? Expand Section. Gemfibrozil is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides (other fatty substances) in the blood in certain people with very high triglycerides who are at risk of pancreatic disease (conditions affecting the pancreas, ...
What are the side effects of Gemfibrozil?
Gemfibrozil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: 1 stomach pain 2 heartburn
How should this medicine be used?
Gemfibrozil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals. Take gemfibrozil at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take gemfibrozil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Is Gemfibrozil good or bad?
Gemfibrozil is also used in people with a combination of low high-density lipoprotein (HDL; 'good cholesterol') levels and high low-density lipoprotein (LDL; 'bad cholesterol') and triglyceride levels to reduce the risk of heart disease. Gemfibrozil is in a class of lipid-regulating medications called fibrates.
Can you take gemfibrozil if you have kidney disease?
tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or gallbladder disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take gemfibrozil.
Can you get allergic to gemfibrozil?
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to gemfibrozil, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in gemfibrozil tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
Can clofibrate cause cancer?
muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. blurred vision. A medication called clofibrate (Atromid-S; no longer available in the U.S.), which is similar to gemfibrozil, has been known to cause cancer, gallbladder disease, and stomach pain leading to appendectomy. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.
How to get rid of gemfibrozil?
To get maximum response from this treatment, follow a diet low in fats, and eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Try to exercise 3 to 4 times a week, for 40 minutes each time.
What is gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
Gemfibrozil (Lopid) is a fibrate. It works by helping to break down fats in the blood. This leads to the lowering of triglycerides (fats) and "bad" cholesterol (LDL) while increasing "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the body.
What are alternatives to gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of gemfibrozil (Lopid). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
How to improve triglyceride levels?
Try to exercise 3 to 4 times a week, for 40 minutes each time. Ask your provider if you need help figuring out your diet or exercise plan. If your cholesterol and triglyceride levels don't improve in the first 3 months, gemfibrozil (Lopid) may not be the best medication for you.
Can Gemfibrozil interact with warfarin?
Gemfibrozil (Lopid) can interact with other medications which might be dangerous. If you are taking warfarin (Coumadin), let your provider or pharmacist know that you are also taking gemfibrozil (Lopid) and make sure to get your INR checked regularly.
Does gemfibrozil help with cholesterol?
Gemfibrozil (Lopid) is a fibrate, which is a class of medications that help with cholesterol problems, especially high triglycerides. Statins also help with cholesterol problems but work differently than gemfibrozil (Lopid). Can you drink alcohol while taking gemfibrozil (Lopid)?
Is Gemfibrozil a statin?
Gemfibrozil (Lopid) is an add-on medication to diet to lower triglycerides (fats) and "bad" cholesterol (LDL) while increasing "good" cholesterol (HDL), but may not be the best option if you're taking statins.
Answers
Gemfibrozil has an elimination half life of 1.5 hours. It takes 5.5 x elimination half life's for a medicine to be out of ones system, therefore it would take approximately 8.25 hours for gemfibrozil to leave your system.
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
What is gemfibrozil?
Gemfibrozil is a lipid-modifying agent that belongs to the fibric acid derivative class. Fibric acid derivatives activate peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPAR-α). The primary role of these agents in clinical practice is for the management of hypertriglyceridemia. Triglycerides may be r …. Gemfibrozil is a lipid-modifying agent that ...
How much does triglycerides reduce?
Triglycerides may be reduced by as much as 74 % in some patients. In addition to lowering triglycerides, these agents can also decrease very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as well as raise high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).
Can you take gemfibrozil with statin?
However, despite these concerns, there are situations in which the use of gemfibrozil in combination with a statin may be necessary.
Is Gemfibrozil a lipid?
Triglycerides may be r …. Gemfibrozil is a lipid-modifying agent that belongs to the fibric acid derivative class. Fibric acid derivatives activate peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPAR-α). The primary role of these agents in clinical practice is for the management of hypertriglyceridemia.
