What Is Gemfibrozil?
Gemfibrozil (
Lopid®) is a prescription medication used to reduce levels of
triglyceride (a fat-like substance) and
cholesterol in the body. Lowering the amount of these substances may help prevent conditions such as:
It should be used in combination with diet and exercise.
Gemfibrozil is manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.
Gemfibrozil has been licensed for several uses, including:
Gemfibrozil can actually cause an increase in
LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) for people with very high levels of triglycerides (greater than 400 mg/dL). Therefore, people who have this condition in addition to high LDL cholesterol should use this medication with extreme caution or not at all.
- Reducing a person's risk of developing coronary heart disease if they have low HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) levels in addition to high LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Gemfibrozil should be used only if you have already tried to lower your cholesterol (and raise HDL) with diet, exercise, and other cholesterol-lowering medications.
- Lowering cholesterol levels in people with hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol). Gemfibrozil can reduce VLDL (very low density lipoprotein cholesterol), apo B (a component of cholesterol that is related to several heart disease risk factors), and, to a lesser extent, total cholesterol and LDL. The medication also raises HDL.
Gemfibrozil is part of a class of drugs known as fibric acid derivatives. It is believed to work by slowing down the production of
triglycerides and
VLDL in the liver. The medication also causes an increase in
HDL cholesterol. Depending on the type of cholesterol problem you have, gemfibrozil may decrease
LDL and total
cholesterol levels.
Since gemfibrozil can lower both cholesterol and triglyceride levels while
raising HDL, a person can decrease his or her risk of developing certain health problems in the future by taking it.
In previous clinical research studies, people taking gemfibrozil 900 to 1600 mg daily were able to:
- Reduce triglycerides by 20 to 50 percent
- Raise HDL cholesterol by 10 to 35 percent
- Reduce LDL cholesterol by 5 to 20 percent.*
(*In studies where people had triglyceride levels greater than 400 mg/dL, the medication actually raised LDL levels.)
Studies have also shown that people taking gemfibrozil can significantly reduce their risk of coronary
heart disease and sudden cardiac death.
Some general considerations for when and how to take gemfibrozil include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth twice a day. You should take it with a glass of water 30 minutes before morning and evening meals.
- If upset stomach occurs, gemfibrozil can be taken with milk or a light snack.
- The medication should be taken at the same time every day to help maintain an even level in the blood. Do not take it more often than directed.
- For gemfibrozil to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of gemfibrozil your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As with any drug, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with gemfibrozil. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. If side effects do occur, most people do not need to stop taking the medicine.
The most common side effects include:
Other side effects (occurring in less than 2 percent of people) include but are not limited to:
Keep in mind that if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you have a fever or feel ill, is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. This could be a sign of a serious, life-threatening muscle problem
(see Lopid and Muscle Pain).
(Click Side Effects of Gemfibrozil to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Prior to taking gemfibrozil, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- Gallbladder disease or gallstones
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Any allergies, including allergies to medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
It is also important to let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant (see Lopid and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding
- A frequent user of alcoholic beverages.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you may currently be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Alternatives to Gemfibrozil
Lowering triglyceride and
cholesterol levels should begin with lifestyle modifications. This includes exercise, weight loss, limited alcohol use, and a diet low in
cholesterol and saturated fats. If lifestyle changes alone do not lower
triglyceride or cholesterol to desirable levels, certain medications may be necessary.
(Click High Cholesterol Risk to determine your cholesterol risk and find out what your LDL cholesterol level should be.)
For most people, gemfibrozil is quite effective and it is also generally well tolerated. But side effects can occur and people may wish to consider a substitute. These substitutes could include other fibrates,
statins, or other
cholesterol medicines.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much gemfibrozil may experience the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Joint and muscle pain.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Gemfibrozil Be Stored?
Gemfibrozil should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. It should be protected from light and moisture.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose of gemfibrozil, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Never take a double dose.
Gemfibrozil is available as tablets in one strength -- gemfibrozil 600 mg.
Generic gemfibrozil is available. It is sold under the name
Gemfibrozil tablets and is also available in one strength -- gemfibrozil 600 mg.
