{"id":18677,"date":"2017-12-05T01:30:45","date_gmt":"2017-12-04T20:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/?p=18677"},"modified":"2018-08-03T10:39:41","modified_gmt":"2018-08-03T05:09:41","slug":"gemfibrozil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/?p=18677","title":{"rendered":"Gemfibrozil &#8211; Information, Uses, Side Effects and Dosage"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Drug trade name: <\/strong>Lopid<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Category: <\/strong>Fibrates for reducing cholesterol<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Generic name: <\/strong><em>Gemfibrozil<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Introduction and Quick Information:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Gemfibrozil (brand name Lopid) belongs to a group of drugs known as fibrates. Gemfibrozil is prescribed to reduce triglycerides (fatty acids) and level of cholesterol in the blood. Increased level of these harmful fats in blood is medically associated with an elevated health risk of clogged arteries (atherosclerosis).<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Gemfibrozil is approved for treating very high levels of triglyceride and cholesterol in people with pancreatitis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">This medicine is also recommended to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart-related health issues in people with high triglycerides and cholesterol. These people may be under treatment for reducing harmful fats in blood.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Is Gemfibrozil Approved by U.S. FDA?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">United States food and drug administration approved gemfibrozil in September 1993 for the treatment to reduce increased level of cholesterol and triglycerides in blood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Usage and Benefits of Gemfibrozil:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Gemfibrozil is approved to treat more than one health issue. Gemfibrozil is a cholesterol modifying and blood lipid medicine that belongs to a group of drugs called fibrates. It helps to increase good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce triglycerides in the blood. Increased level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in blood helps to reduce risks of heart attack and related condition. It also helps in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in blood which is responsible for many health complications. Uses of\u00a0 Gemfibrozil include-<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong><em>Lowering Triglycerides:<\/em><\/strong> High levels of triglycerides in blood can have several health complications. Increased levels of triglycerides decrease blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, heart and other vital organs to the body. Gemfibrozil is prescribed for treatment of increased triglycerides and healthcare provider often prescribes this medicine with a healthy diet and exercise routine. It works by enhancing the breakdown and reduces all fat like substances from blood so that blood and oxygen can flow properly<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong><em>Lowering Cholesterol:<\/em><\/strong> High levels of cholesterol in blood are responsible for many severe body discomforts. Increased cholesterol can also lead to life-threatening conditions. Increased cholesterol in the blood affects the supply of blood and oxygen to brain, heart and other essential organs of the body that further lead to several health complications such as heart disease, chest pain (angina), heart attack and stroke. Gemfibrozil is approved for the treatment of increased cholesterol in the body. This medicine is prescribed with low cholesterol diet for speedy recovery.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Gemfibrozil is not approved for use in children. On certain occasions, your healthcare provider may prescribe this medicine for other medical condition which has not listed in this medication guide.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Gemfibrozil Side Effects:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Side effects, as a matter of fact, will always be associated with medication and treatment. Gemfibrozil has some side effects that may put your health in danger. However, it does not mean that everyone who takes this medicine to treat certain health condition gets affected by an adverse reaction of the medicine. Side effects only occur when you ignore safety guidelines. Gemfibrozil\u2019s side effects can prove to be serious for your health; hence you should discuss with your doctor every possible adverse reaction of the medicine before taking Gemfibrozil. Here are some medically known side effects of Gemfibrozil-<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Tenderness<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Pale skin, Easy bruising<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Rapid heart rate, Trouble concentrating<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Weakness especially if you also have unusual tiredness, fever, and dark colored urine<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Sharp pain in your upper stomach<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Unexplained muscle pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Eye pain, Blurred vision,<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Feeling light-headed or short of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Pain or burning when you urinate<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Unusual bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Loss of interest in sex<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Mild joint or muscle pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Nausea, Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Diarrhea, Upset stomach<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Mild stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Dizziness, Drowsiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Difficulty having an orgasm<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Impotence<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Numbness or Tingly feeling<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Cold symptoms such as sore throat, sneezing, stuffy nose<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">These are some common but serious side effects of gemfibrozil. However, there is a rare but serious gemfibrozil side effect known as rhabdomyolysis (serious muscle breakdown). If you experience any unexplained muscle weakness, tenderness and pain, seek immediate medical assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>General Recommended Dosage of Gemfibrozil:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Gemfibrozil dosage depends on a number of factors such as lifestyle, health condition (for which the person is taking this medicine), use of any specific medicine, any other medical condition, food habits etc.\u00a0 Some general considerations for people taking gemfibrozil are as follows:<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Healthcare providers generally prescribe this medicine with some basic lifestyle modifications. These lifestyle modifications may include exercise, limited consumption of alcohol, weight loss, eating a healthy &amp; nutritious diet that should be low in saturated fats and cholesterol.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Gemfibrozil should be taken half an hour before morning and evening meal with a glass of water.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Gemfibrozil should be taken at the same time each day to maintain even level of Gemfibrozil in blood. Take this medicine as exactly as it was directed by the physician.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">You may be prompted to stop taking Gemfibrozil if side effects occur. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">You may get your dose adjusted if your age is 65 or above<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">If you have kidney diseases than you must not take gemfibrozil for lowering down cholesterol and triglycerides in blood.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Talk to your doctor if you have any doubt regarding your dosing schedule.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Do not try to adjust your dose unless your doctor allows you or wants you to do so.\u00a0 You should not try to make changes in your dosing schedule without telling your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>\u00a0In Case I Miss The Dose?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">The consequences of missing the dose may not be known.\u00a0 But it can definitely increase your discomfort if you forget to take your dose on time. In case of missed dose, do not take a missed dose without informing your healthcare provider as you may need to reschedule your dosages. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed one as it could lead to overdose adverse reactions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>In case I Take Overdose?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">An overdose of gemfibrozil can worsen your condition for which you are taking this medicine. In case of overdose, seek medical assistance to counter overdose adverse reactions.\u00a0 Do not forget to tell your healthcare provider about the overdose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Drug Interactions of Gemfibrozil:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Interaction with other drugs can reduce effects of gemfibrozil or can lead to drug interaction side effects.\u00a0 There is a range of drugs that can interact with gemfibrozil and can affect its health benefits. You should have complete information about drug interaction of gemfibrozil so that you can prevent yourself from its negative health reactions. Here are some drugs that can potentially interact with gemfibrozil such as-<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">a blood thinner such as Jantoven, warfarin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">insulin or diabetes medication<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">other cholesterol-lowering drugs such as pravastatin, rosuvastatin, lovastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin, fluvastatin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">bexarotene<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">cyclosporine<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">repaglinide<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">ezetimibe<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">This is not a complete list of drug interactions of Gemfibrozil. You may ask your doctor to explain you drug interaction associated risk and adverse consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Life Style and Food Habits You Must Follow When on Gemfibrozil:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Gemfibrozil is prescribed along with some lifestyle modifications. This includes a healthy diet, everyday workout, limited use of alcohol and other related things.\u00a0 These lifestyle modifications help this medicine to act fast and in a better way. As you know cholesterol increases due to poor food habits and an inactive lifestyle. It has been proven medically that every workout session can reduce cholesterol level along with other health benefits. Healthy diet helps to reduce cholesterol from blood and reduces related health issues. Apart from these lifestyle modifications, tell your doctor if you have any of these health conditions such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">heart disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">gallbladder disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">liver diseases or liver failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">kidney disease or kidney failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">an allergy to food, any medicines, dyes or preservatives<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Tell your healthcare provider if you have been taking any prescribed or non-prescribed drugs before you start taking this medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>How Safe Is Gemfibrozil for Pregnant Women and Nursing Mothers?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">It has been categorized in US FDA pregnancy category: C. This medicine is prescribed during pregnancy but only after some medical tests. There is no known medical proof that could show gemfibrozil can harm unborn babies. However, you should tell your doctor if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant while taking this medicine. Do not breast-feed a child unless your healthcare provider allows you to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Complications and Conditions Possible Due to Prolonged Use of Gemfibrozil:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Prolonged use of any medicine can harm your health and also worsen the condition for which you are taking that particular medicine. Do not take Gemfibrozil longer than recommended unless your doctor tells you to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Availability of Gemfibrozil:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Gemfibrozil is being sold by every government and FDA approved drug store. You can also buy this medicine from online drug stores as there are plenty of drug stores at which gemfibrozil and other drugs are available at reasonable price. To buy this drug you should have doctor\u2019s prescription since gemfibrozil is a prescription medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Drug trade name: Lopid Category: Fibrates for reducing cholesterol Generic name: Gemfibrozil Introduction and Quick Information: Gemfibrozil (brand name Lopid) belongs to a group of drugs known as fibrates. Gemfibrozil is prescribed to reduce triglycerides (fatty acids) and level of cholesterol in the blood. Increased level of these harmful fats in blood is medically associated [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":34401,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18940],"tags":[29832,29833],"class_list":["post-18677","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-know-your-drug","tag-gemfibrozil","tag-gemfibrozil-side-effects"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18677","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18677"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18677\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/34401"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18677"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}