Details

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 people with high cholesterol and triglycerides who have not been helped by other treatment methods. To make sure gemfibrozil is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have a history of gallstones or if you take a blood thinner.

Typical Uses

Gemfibrozil is used along with a proper diet to help lower fats (triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It may also help to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL). 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 also decrease the risk of pancreas disease (pancreatitis). However, gemfibrozil might not lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor about the risk and benefits of gemfibrozil.

Side Effects

In rare cases, gemfibrozil can cause a condition that result in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Inform your doctor immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark coloured urine. Other side effects of gemfibrozil include sharp pain in your upper stomach (especially after eating) jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes) blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights little or no urinating or pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin.

Drug Interactions

• Gemfibrozil+pioglitazone- Talk to your doctor before using pioglitazone together with gemfibrozil. Combining these medications may significantly increase the blood levels of pioglitazone. You may be more likely to experience side effects such as hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar that can sometimes occur with the use of pioglitazone.
• Gemfibrozil+pravastatin- Using gemfibrozil together with pravastatin can increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. In some cases, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and even death.
• Gemfibrozil+bexarotene- Using bexarotene together with gemfibrozil is generally not recommended. Combining these medications may significantly increase the blood levels of bexarotene. You may be more likely to experience serious side effects such as elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), liver function abnormalities, low blood cell counts, and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
• Gemfibrozil+cerivastatin- Using gemfibrozil together with cerivastatin can increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. In some cases, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and even death.

Mechanism of action

Gemfibrozil belongs to a class of drugs called fibrates. It works by stimulating the breakdown of fats and inhibiting production of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the liver. It also increases the levels of good cholesterol (HDL).

Pregnancy Category : C