Summer BanksGemfibrozil and working
December 4th 2006 14:10
Gemfibrozil and working :
Gemfibrozil is used to treat hyperlipidemia (high blood fat levels) in patients who have not responded to diet, weight reduction, exercise, and control of blood sugar. It is not clear how gemfibrozil lowers blood lipid levels, but it is thought to decrease the body's production of certain fats.
Gemfibrozil Facts
Brand names (manufacturers): Gemfibrozil (various manufacturers); Lopid (Parke-Davis)
Type of drug: Antihyperlipidemic (lipid-lowering drug)
Ingredient: Gemfibrozil
Dosage form: Tablets (600 mg)
Storage: Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
Treatment :
To maximize its effectiveness, gemfibrozil should be taken 30 minutes before meals.
If you miss a dose of gemfibrozil, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side Effects :
Minor: Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, gas, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, or stomach upset. These side effects should disappear in several days, as your body adjusts to the medication.
To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (bran, salads, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down a while; get up slowly from a sitting or lying position; and be careful on stairs.
To help relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips.
Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about back pain, blurred vision, fatigue, muscle cramps, rash, swollen or painful joints, tingling sensations, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Interactions :
Gemfibrozil interacts with certain other types of medications:
Gemfibrozil can increase the effects of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin), which can lead to bleeding complications.
Use of gemfibrozil with lovastatin and similar agents may increase the risk of severe myopathy (muscle weakness).
Before you start gemfibrozil, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.
Warnings :
Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to gemfibrozil.
Before starting gemfibrozil, be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or ever had biliary disorders, gallstones or gallbladder disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.
If this drug makes you dizzy or otherwise interferes with your vision, do not take part in activities that require mental alertness, such as driving an automobile or operating any potentially dangerous machinery or equipment.
Do not stop taking gemfibrozil unless you first check with your doctor. Stopping the drug abruptly may lead to a rapid increase in blood lipid (fats) and cholesterol levels. Your doctor may therefore want to start you on a special diet or another medication when gemfibrozil is discontinued.
Large doses of gemfibrozil administered to animals for prolonged periods of time have been associated with benign and malignant tumors. This association has not been observed in humans.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although gemfibrozil appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not yet been completed. Also tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. It is not known whether or not gemfibrozil passes into breast milk.
Gemfibrozil is used to treat hyperlipidemia (high blood fat levels) in patients who have not responded to diet, weight reduction, exercise, and control of blood sugar. It is not clear how gemfibrozil lowers blood lipid levels, but it is thought to decrease the body's production of certain fats.
Gemfibrozil Facts
Brand names (manufacturers): Gemfibrozil (various manufacturers); Lopid (Parke-Davis)
Type of drug: Antihyperlipidemic (lipid-lowering drug)
Ingredient: Gemfibrozil
Dosage form: Tablets (600 mg)
Storage: Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
Treatment :
To maximize its effectiveness, gemfibrozil should be taken 30 minutes before meals.
If you miss a dose of gemfibrozil, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side Effects :
Minor: Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, gas, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, or stomach upset. These side effects should disappear in several days, as your body adjusts to the medication.
To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (bran, salads, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down a while; get up slowly from a sitting or lying position; and be careful on stairs.
To help relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips.
Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about back pain, blurred vision, fatigue, muscle cramps, rash, swollen or painful joints, tingling sensations, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Interactions :
Gemfibrozil interacts with certain other types of medications:
Gemfibrozil can increase the effects of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin), which can lead to bleeding complications.
Use of gemfibrozil with lovastatin and similar agents may increase the risk of severe myopathy (muscle weakness).
Before you start gemfibrozil, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.
Warnings :
Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to gemfibrozil.
Before starting gemfibrozil, be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or ever had biliary disorders, gallstones or gallbladder disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.
If this drug makes you dizzy or otherwise interferes with your vision, do not take part in activities that require mental alertness, such as driving an automobile or operating any potentially dangerous machinery or equipment.
Do not stop taking gemfibrozil unless you first check with your doctor. Stopping the drug abruptly may lead to a rapid increase in blood lipid (fats) and cholesterol levels. Your doctor may therefore want to start you on a special diet or another medication when gemfibrozil is discontinued.
Large doses of gemfibrozil administered to animals for prolonged periods of time have been associated with benign and malignant tumors. This association has not been observed in humans.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although gemfibrozil appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not yet been completed. Also tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. It is not known whether or not gemfibrozil passes into breast milk.
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