Gemfibrozil: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What drug is Gemfibrozil?

What is gemfibrozil used for?

Gemfibrozil is an oral drug that belongs to a class of drugs that regulates cholesterol levels in the body and is known as "fibrates". This drug works by decreasing the amount of fat the liver produces.

Generally, gemfibrozil is used in conjunction with a series of treatments used to lower bad fats (triglycerides) and increase "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. This drug can also lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL).

The function of gemfibrozil is to lower triglyceride levels in people with high levels of triglycerides in the blood and can also reduce the risk of pancreatic disease (pancreatitis). Even so, gemfibrozil cannot lower the risk of heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of Gemfibrozil.

Apart from a suitable diet (such as a low-fat diet), changing a healthy lifestyle is also included in the range of treatment along with this medicine. The reason is, this drug works better if you do sports activities such as exercising, reducing alcohol consumption, losing excess weight, and quitting smoking.

This drug is a drug that is included in the type of prescription drug, so you must get a prescription first if you really want to buy this drug at a pharmacy.

How should gemfibrozil be used?

Here are some rules that you must follow when using gemfibrozil, among them are:

• Take this medication as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day (30 minutes before breakfast and evening).
• The dosage is based on your health condition and response to therapy.
• If you are also taking other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take gemfibrozil at least one hour before or at least 4-6 hours after using this medicine.
• This product can react with gemfibrozil, preventing complete absorption.
• Use this remedy regularly for maximum benefits. Remember to use it every day at the same time. Continue treatment even though you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol / triglycerides don't feel sick.
• While using this medicine you may have regular blood tests.
• It is very important to follow your doctor's recommendations regarding diet and exercise. The full benefits of this drug are only available for up to 3 months.
• Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is gemfibrozil stored?

The procedure for storing the proper gemfibrozil is as follows.

• This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places.
• Do not store this medication in the bathroom.
• Don't freeze it either.
• Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.
• Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist.
• Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Meanwhile, the rules for disposing gemfibrozil when it is no longer used or when it has expired are:

• Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so.
• Do not mix medicinal waste together with household waste because it can pollute the environment.
• Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Gemfibrozil dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for gemfibrozil for adults?

Adult dosage for hyperlipidemia

• 600 milligrams (mg) taken by mouth twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and evening meal.

Adult dose for hyperlipoproteinemia type IIb

• 600 milligrams (mg) taken by mouth twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and evening meal.

Adult dosage for hyperlipoproteinemia type IV

• 600 milligrams (mg) taken by mouth twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and evening meal.

Adult dosage for hyperlipoproteinemia type V

• 600 milligrams (mg) taken by mouth twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and evening meal.

Adult dosage for hypertriglyceridemia

• 600 milligrams (mg) taken by mouth twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and evening meal.

Adult dosage for prevention of cardiovascular disease

• 600 milligrams (mg) taken by mouth twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and evening meal.

What is the dose of gemfibrozil for children?

There is no provision for the dosage of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is gemfibrozil available?

Gemfibrozil is available in the following dosages.

Tablet, Oral: 600 mg

Gemfibrozil side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to gemfibrozil?

There is a risk of side effects from using gemfibrozil is a natural thing. The reason is, as with other medicines, this drug does have symptoms of a risk of side effects, including:

• Allergic reactions, which are characterized by hives, difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Pain in your upper stomach (especially after eating)
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing large circles around light
• pain or feeling hot when urinating
• unexplained muscle pain, or weakness especially if you also have a fever, weakness without cause, and dark urine
• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling like hovering or tightness, fast heart rate, difficulty concentrating, purple or red spots under your skin.

The above side effects are quite serious symptoms that may occur if you are taking gemfibrozil. Immediately report it to a doctor and seek medical care if you develop any of these conditions.

Meanwhile, there are also quite mild side effects that are more common, such as the following.

• stomach ache
• mild stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness
• mild joint or muscle pain
• no lust, impotence, difficulty orgasm
• numbness or tingling or
• flu symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Gemfibrozil Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using gemfibrozil?

If you are going to use gemfibrozil, you have to know a few things, including:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to gemfibrozil or any other medications.
• tell your doctor if you are taking simvastatin (Zocor) or repaglinide (Prandin, in Prandimet). Your doctor may ask you not to use Gemfibrozil while taking either or both of these drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist any prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are using or planning to use. Make sure you mention the following drugs: anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin); cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), and pravastatin (Pravachol); and colchicine (Colcrys). Your doctor can change the dose or closely monitor any side effects.
• if you are using colestipol, use this medication 2 hours before or after Gemfibrozil.
• tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver or gallbladder disease. Your doctor may ask you not to use Gemfibrozil.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant and are taking Gemfibrozil, contact your doctor immediately.

Is gemfibrozil safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in America or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia. The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Gemfibrozil Drug Interactions

What other medicines may interact with gemfibrozil?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Using this medication with the drugs below is usually not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this drug or change some of the drugs you use.

• Repaglinide
• Simvastatin

Using this drug with other drugs is usually not recommended, but may be needed in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may have changed the dose or frequency of use of one or both drugs.

• Atorvastatin
• Bexarotene
• Cerivastatin
• Colchicine
• Dabrafenib
• Eltrombopag
• Enzalutamide
• Ezetimibe
• Fluvastatin
• Imatinib
• Lovastatin
• Pitavastatin
• Pravastatin
• Rosuvastatin

Drug interactions can increase your risk of serious side effects, but using both drugs may be the best therapy for you. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may have changed the dose or frequency of use of one or both drugs.

• Dicumarol
• Glyburide
• Loperamide
• Lopinavir
• Montelukast
• Pioglitazone
• Rosiglitazone
• Warfarin

Can food or alcohol interact with gemfibrozil?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with gemfibrozil?

Any other health problem in your body can affect gemfibrozil use. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, so that they can help you determine whether this drug is good or not to monitor your condition.

The following are health conditions that may interact with gemfibrozil:

• diabetes
• hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Use this medication with caution as it can worsen side effects
• gallbladder disease
• severe kidney disease
• liver disease (including cirrhosis). You should not use drugs in people with this condition.
• Are experiencing or have experienced muscle pain or weakness. Use with caution as it can worsen the condition.

Gemfibrozil overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms that may appear if you take gemfibrozil excessively are:

• stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• joint and muscle pain
• nausea
• gag

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.