Do not use Gemfibrozil if you are suffering serious kidney or liver problems, gallbladder illness, or if you are using simvastatin or repaglinide such as vytorin, zocor, simcor and juvisync.
How Effective is Gemfibrozil
Gemfibrozil effectively assists in lowering the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood. High levels these fatty acids in the blood pose a high danger of clogged arteries also known as atherosclerosis.
Gemfibrozil is also combined with diet plan to effectively reduce fatty acids in people with pancreatitis. Gemfibrozil is also utilized effectively to lower the risk or chances of heart attack, stroke or other conditions in patients with cholesterol and triglycerides who have not received help from other forms of treatment.
What to Know Before Using Gemfibrozil?
Do not take gemfibrozil if you suffer allergic reaction to it, or if you have:
- Serious kidney problem
- Serious liver problem
- Disease of the gallbladder
- And you are using simvastatin or repaglinide such as vytorin, simcor, zocor or juvisync.
- To be safe with gemfibrozil, inform your doctor if you have;
- Past record of having gallstones
- If you are using blood thinner medicines like coumadin, warfarin or jantoven.
- It is not established whether gemfibrozil can hurt unborn child. Let your doctor know if you are expectant or you are planning to be while using gemfibrozil.
How to Take Gemfibrozil?
- Gemfibrozil is normally administered twice per day, half an hour prior to morning and evening meal.
- Strictly follow instructions on the prescription label. Never take this drug for a longer period or in large quantities than instructed.
- Gemfibrozil is part of treatment plan that involves weight control, diet and exercise. Strictly adhere to you doctor’s advice.
- You may undergo various checks and tests to monitor how your kidneys and liver functions while using Gemfibrozil.
- Store gemfibrozil away from light heat and moisture, at room temperature.
What is the Recommended Dosage of Gemfibrozil?
General Adult Dosage of Gemfibrozil for Treating Hyperlipidemia:
Take 600 mg twice daily orally, 30 minutes before breakfast and supper.
What are the Side Effects of Gemfibrozil?
Seek immediate medical help if you suffer allergic reactions to gemfibrozil; like breathing difficulty, hives or swelling of your throat, face, lips and tongue.
In rare situations Gemfibrozil can cause breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, resulting to kidney failure. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unfamiliar muscle tenderness, weakness or pain or of you have uncommon fatigue, dark urine and fever.
Also contact your doctor immediately if you have the following severe side effects of gemfibrozil:
- Piercing pain in your upper belly, particularly after a meal.
- Yellowing of eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Unclear vision, painful eyes or seeing rays around lights.
- Minimal or no urine
- Light headed feeling, easy bruising, uncommon bleeding, pale skin, fast heartbeat, short breaths, confusion and red or purple spots under your skin.
Common side effects of Gemfibrozil are:
- Stomach upsets
- Diarrhea, slight stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, constipation.
- Painful joints
- Signs of cold which includes sneezing, blocked nose and sore throat are all side effects of gemfibrozil.
- Drowsiness, dizziness and headache
- Slight rashes or itching
- Impotence or loss of interest in having sex.
What Other Drugs Can interact with Gemfibrozil?
Inform your doctor of all the other drugs you are taking. Some drugs may increase the risk chances of severe muscle issues when taken in parallel with gemfibrozil, which is why your medical provider should know all the medicines you are taking such as;
Colchicine, Like a “statin” cholesterol reducing medicines such as flivastatin (lescol), atorvastatin (caduet, lipitor), lovastatin (advicor, mevacor, altoprey), pravasratin (pravachol), pitavastatin (livalo), rosuvastatin (crestor), or simvastatin (vytorin, simcor, zocor).
