Sign inBefore taking gemfibrozil
Before taking gemfibrozil make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you are over 65 years of age.
- If you have gall bladder problems or gallstones.
- If you suffer from alcoholism or drink large amounts of alcohol.
- If you have thyroid problems or if you are diabetic.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to this medicine, another fibrate (such as bezafibrate, ciprofibrate or fenofibrate) or any other medicine.
How to take gemfibrozil
- Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take gemfibrozil exactly as your doctor has told you.
- Take your doses half an hour before a meal. This is because gemfibrozil is absorbed better when your stomach is empty.
- Try to take gemfibrozil at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Treatment with gemfibrozil is usually life-long.
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored. You will need to have blood tests before you start and during your treatment with gemfibrozil.
- Follow carefully any advice you have been given about a healthy diet and taking exercise.
- If you are a smoker, ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to stop. Smoking tends to increase your lipid levels.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol while you are being treated with gemfibrozil as alcohol can increase your cholesterol levels.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with gemfibrozil.
Can gemfibrozil cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Indigestion, abdominal pain, wind, feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headaches continue, speak with your doctor |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre, and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day |
| Tiredness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving |
| Skin rash | If this becomes severe or troublesome, speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store gemfibrozil
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Maufacturer’s PIL, Lopid® 300mg Capsules & 600mg Film-coated Tablets, Pfizer Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2010, accessed December 2010.
- British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)