General Information and Indications:
Gemfibrozil is used with diet changes
(restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of
cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. Accumulation of
cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as
atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to
your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level
of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (chest
pain), strokes, and heart attacks.
Information For Users:
Gemfibrozil comes in tablets and capsules to take
by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day, 30 minutes before the morning and
evening meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your
doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take gemfibrozil exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than
prescribed by your health care provider.
Continue taking gemfibrozil even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking
gemfibrozil without informing your doctor.
Special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to gemfibrozil or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
such as warfarin (Coumadin) and vitamins. If you take insulin or oral
diabetes medications, your dose may need to be changed because gemfibrozil
can increase the amount of sugar in your blood. Talk to your doctor before
changing your dose.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding ulcers; diabetes; or
gallbladder, kidney, or liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking gemfibrozil, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking gemfibrozil.
Eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet. This kind of diet includes cottage
cheese, fat-free milk, fish (not canned in oil), vegetables, poultry, egg
whites, and polyunsaturated oils and margarines (corn, safflower, canola,
and soybean oils). Avoid foods with excess fat in them such as meat
(especially liver and fatty meat), egg yolks, whole milk, cream, butter,
shortening, lard, pastries, cakes, cookies, gravy, peanut butter, chocolate,
olives, potato chips, coconut, cheese (other than cottage cheese), coconut
oil, palm oil, and fried foods.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Though adverse effects of gemfibrozil
are not common, they could occur. Inform your doctor if any of the following
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o stomach pain
o diarrhea
o constipation
o vomiting
o gas
o headache
o dizziness
o blurred vision (Impaired vision)
o flushing
If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor without
delay:
o muscle pain
o weakness
Brand Name(s):
o Lopid® |
