GEMFIBROZIL-ORAL (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking gemfibrozil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: liver disease (e.g., primary biliary cirrhosis), gallbladder disease, severe kidney disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes (poorly controlled), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), alcohol use. The rare development of severe muscle damage (see Side Effects) can infrequently lead to serious kidney problems. This medication is usually stopped temporarily if you have any condition which can increase your risk of developing kidney problems. Before stopping your medication, notify your doctor immediately if you have any of the following conditions: major surgery, trauma, serious illness (e.g., sepsis, severe metabolic/endocrine/electrolyte disorders), very low blood pressure, uncontrolled seizures. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious, possibly fatal, interactions may occur: cerivastatin. Gemfibrozil should not be used with the following medication because very serious effects (very low blood sugar) may occur: repaglinide. Also, itraconazole should not be used in combination with repaglinide and gemfibrozil because extremely low blood sugar could occur. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting gemfibrozil. Use caution if the following drugs are combined with gemfibrozil because serious side effects such as muscle injury (myopathy) could infrequently occur: other statin drugs (e.g., lovastatin, simvastatin), high dose niacin (1 gram or more per day). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), ezetimibe, rosiglitazone, drugs which may affect blood triglyceride levels (e.g., estrogens). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Cholesterol - Learn about cholesterol and how to lower LDL cholesterol. Read in-depth cholesterol information on a low cholesterol diet, normal ratio (levels), treatment for high cholesterol and more.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows