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Gemfibrozil |
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What is Gemfibrozil and why is it prescribed? Gemfibrozil is prescribed, along with a special diet, for treatment of people with very high levels of serum triglycerides who are at risk of developing pancreatitis and who do not respond adequately to a strict diet. Gemfibrozil can also be used to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in people who have failed to respond to weight loss, diet, exercise, and other triglyceride, or cholesterol-lowering drugs. Gemfibrozil is usually prescribed only if diet, exercise, and weight-loss fail to bring your cholesterol levels under control. It's important to remember that Gemfibrozil is a supplement for these other measures. To get the full benefit of Gemfibrozil, you need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor. All these efforts to keep your cholesterol levels normal are important because together they may lower your risk of heart disease. How should you take Gemfibrozil? Follow your doctors directions for taking Gemfibrozil. Take Gemfibrozil 30 minutes before the morning and evening meal, exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Store Gemfibrozil at room temperature. Are there any Gemfibrozil side effects? Gemfibrozil side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Gemfibrozil side effects may include abdominal pain, acute appendicitis, constipation, diarrhea, eczema, fatigue, headache, indigestion, nausea/vomiting, rash, and vertigo. Less common or rare Gemfibrozil side effects may include anemia, blood disorders, blurred vision, confusion, convulsions, decreased male fertility, decreased sex drive, depression, dizziness, fainting, hives, impotence, inflammation of the colon, irregular heartbeat, itching, joint pain, laryngeal swelling, muscle disease, muscle pain, muscle weakness, painful extremities, sleepiness, tingling sensation, weight loss, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Gemfibrozil? If Gemfibrozil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. To avoid the possibility of severe muscle-wasting side effects, do not use any of the cholesterol-lowering "statin" drugs while taking Gemfibrozil. Drugs in this category include: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Fluvastatin (Lescol), Lovastatin (Mevacor), Pravastatin (Pravachol), and Simvastatin (Zocor). Also be sure to check with your doctor before taking Gemfibrozil along with a blood-thinning drug such as Coumadin. The dosage of the blood-thinner must be reduced to avoid abnormal bleeding. Are there any special warnings about Gemfibrozil? Excess body weight and excess alcohol intake may be important risk factors leading to unusually high levels of fats in the body. Your doctor will probably want you to lose weight and stop drinking before he or she tries to treat you with Gemfibrozil. Your doctor will probably do periodic blood level tests during the first 12 months of therapy with Gemfibrozil because of blood diseases associated with the use of this medication. Liver disorders have occurred with the use of this drug. Therefore, your doctor will probably test your liver function periodically. If you are being treated for any disease that contributes to increased blood cholesterol, such as an overactive thyroid, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinemia, or obstructive liver disease, consult with your doctor before taking Gemfibrozil. Gemfibrozil should begin to reduce cholesterol levels during the first 3 months of therapy. If your cholesterol is not lowered sufficiently, this medication should be discontinued. Therefore, it is important that your doctor check your progress regularly. The use of Gemfibrozil may cause gallstones leading to possible gallbladder surgery. If you develop gallstones, your doctor will tell you to stop taking Gemfibrozil. The use of Gemfibrozil may be associated with myositis, a muscle disease. If you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, consult with your doctor. If myositis is suspected, your doctor will stop treating you with Gemfibrozil. |
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