Gemfibrozil

Hyperlipidemia, Hyperlipidemia, Hyperlipidemia + 1 more
Treatment
7 FDA approvals
6 Active Studies for Gemfibrozil

What is Gemfibrozil

GemfibrozilThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryGemfibrozil is a type of medication that helps lower levels of fats in the blood. It is usually prescribed to people who have not seen improvements with diet, exercise and weight loss, as well as those with certain types of hyperlipidemias. Gemfibrozil was approved by the FDA in 1981.
Gemfibrozilis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Gemfibrozil Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Gemfibrozil
Gemfibrozil
1993
128

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Gemfibrozil, also known as Gemfibrozil, is approved by the FDA for 7 uses including Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and Fredrickson classification type V Hyperlipidemia .
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Fredrickson classification type V Hyperlipidemia
Helps manage Fredrickson classification type V Hyperlipidemia
Fredrickson classification type IV Hyperlipidemia
Helps manage Fredrickson classification type IV Hyperlipidemia
Coronary Heart Disease
Hyperlipidemia
Helps manage Fredrickson classification type V Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia
Helps manage Fredrickson classification type IV Hyperlipidemia

Effectiveness

How Gemfibrozil Affects PatientsGemfibrozil helps to control cholesterol levels in those with high cholesterol. It needs to be taken twice daily as it only lasts 9.6 hours in patients with kidney problems. It is generally considered safe, as trials with double the standard dose did not lead to serious side effects. However, there is a risk of gallstones or gallbladder inflammation for patients taking this drug, similar to those taking clofibrate.
How Gemfibrozil works in the bodyGemfibrozil works by activating a protein called PPARα, which affects how the body processes fats. This activation increases the amount of HDL (the good cholesterol), and decreases the amount of VLDL (the bad cholesterol). It also increases lipoprotein lipase, which helps to break down triglycerides in the blood. Gemfibrozil's metabolite also blocks an enzyme called CYP2C8, which helps further lower triglyceride levels.

When to interrupt dosage

The advised dose of Gemfibrozil is contingent upon the determined condition, including Hyperlipidemia, Hyperlipidemia and Coronary Heart Disease. The amount of dosage fluctuates, according to the technique of administration outlined in the table underneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hyperlipidemia
, 600.0 mg, 300.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated
Coronary Heart Disease
, 600.0 mg, 300.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated
Hyperlipidemia
, 600.0 mg, 300.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated
Hyperlipidemia
, 600.0 mg, 300.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated

Warnings

Gemfibrozil has nine contraindications, meaning it should not be taken while suffering from any of the conditions found in the following table.Gemfibrozil Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Liver Dysfunction
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Disease
Do Not Combine
Renal Insufficiency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Gemfibrozil may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Gemfibrozil.
Common Gemfibrozil Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
(R)-warfarin
Major
The metabolism of (R)-warfarin can be decreased when combined with Gemfibrozil.
(S)-Warfarin
Major
The metabolism of (S)-Warfarin can be decreased when combined with Gemfibrozil.
Abrocitinib
Major
The metabolism of Abrocitinib can be decreased when combined with Gemfibrozil.
Acenocoumarol
Major
The metabolism of Acenocoumarol can be decreased when combined with Gemfibrozil.
Acetohexamide
Major
The metabolism of Acetohexamide can be decreased when combined with Gemfibrozil.
Gemfibrozil Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of gemfibrozil for humans is 18gm/kg. The toxic dose in mice is 2218mg/kg and in rats is 1414mg/kg. If a person overdoses on gemfibrozil, they may experience abdominal cramps, abnormal liver function, diarrhea, increased CPK, joint and muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment should involve supportive measures and symptom relief.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Gemfibrozil Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Gemfibrozil?

Six active trials are presently being conducted to assess the potential of Gemfibrozil for mitigating Hyperlipidemia, Hyperlipidemia, and Hyperlipidemia-related conditions.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Hyperlipidemia
0 Actively Recruiting
Hyperlipidemia
0 Actively Recruiting
Coronary Heart Disease
6 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Early Phase 1
Hyperlipidemia
0 Actively Recruiting

Gemfibrozil Reviews: What are patients saying about Gemfibrozil?

4.7Patient Review
12/10/2014
Gemfibrozil for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
I was taking this for high triglycerides, but I wasn't very consistent. I should get back on it because it didn't have any negative side effects and because it sounds like it could help with my weight loss goals. Belviq might be promising, but it's probably too expensive.
4.7Patient Review
10/26/2015
Gemfibrozil for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
In just three months, this treatment lowered my triglycerides from 725 to 401. I also lost weight as a pleasant side effect.
4Patient Review
3/10/2017
Gemfibrozil for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
My triglycerides and cholesterol levels dropped dramatically in just two months, and I attribute at least some of this success to abstaining from alcohol.
3.7Patient Review
11/18/2013
Gemfibrozil for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
Gemfibrozil is much better than other drugs I've tried for my cholesterol. Zocor, for instance, caused my skin to feel like it was on fire. Gemfibrozil doesn't have nearly as many side effects--just flushing at night, which isn't ideal but manageable.
3Patient Review
12/6/2015
Gemfibrozil for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
Even when I'm being diligent with my diet, this medication only helps me get down to the low 300s.
3Patient Review
9/8/2017
Gemfibrozil for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
I've been taking this for three years and have seen my triglycerides drop from 1,200 to the 250s. The only downside is that it's easy to forget to take (you have to do so 30 minutes before morning and evening meals), and it can cause mucous buildup in your throat.
2.7Patient Review
1/31/2022
Gemfibrozil for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
I'd been taking Gemfibrozil for years to try and lower my triglyceride levels, as per my doctor's suggestion. However, it never had any effect until I changed my diet and lifestyle. Once I started intermittent fasting, cutting down on carbs, and losing 15 pounds, my triglyceride level dropped to 116. Now I'm off the medication and don't have to deal with its unpleasant side effects anymore.
2.3Patient Review
8/29/2016
Gemfibrozil for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
This medication unfortunately caused me to have a really low libido, and I didn't have much energy either. Additionally, I got headaches quite frequently.
2.3Patient Review
9/7/2017
Gemfibrozil for High Amount of Fats in the Blood
I started taking two pills 600 mg of Gemfibrozil per day on 6-30-17 and stopped as of 9-6-17 due to intense pain in both shoulders and neck. The next day I felt a big difference as most of the pain subsided 75%. Also I had no motivation to do anything. I felt sluggish and tired all the time. Now that I stopped this medication I will start eating oatmeal and whole grain cereals to get my cholesterol down. My cholesterol levels are in the 300's.
2Patient Review
4/30/2014
Gemfibrozil for Low HDL Cholesterol
After taking this treatment for a couple months, I started feeling tired. Now I have aches and pains that get worse after being active for a few hours. I'm considering stopping the medication because of how bad the side effects are.
2Patient Review
6/6/2015
Gemfibrozil for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
I took this medication for a short period of time, but I found that it made me feel terrible. I was constantly tired and felt very down. Additionally, my throat hurt and I began to experience hoarseness in my voice. After doing some research, I found that this medication may also cause weight gain, cancer, liver problems, and kidney stones. Needless to say, I will not be taking this medication again.
2Patient Review
11/1/2016
Gemfibrozil for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
The numbers weren't looking good after six months, and now I'm experiencing pain in my shoulder, knees and Achilles tendon. These are the same symptoms I experienced when taking a statin. I'm planning to stop this drug for a while to see if these symptoms disappear.
1Patient Review
4/4/2014
Gemfibrozil for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
I had incredibly negative results from this treatment. I was in pain constantly, felt awful all the time, and had zero energy. I would not recommend it to anyone.
1Patient Review
5/23/2014
Gemfibrozil for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
I have taken this medication for a long time and experienced really bad side effects like muscle pain, weakness, and bone pain.
1Patient Review
1/16/2022
Gemfibrozil for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
Like so many other drugs on the market, this one did nothing to help me and instead caused a whole host of problems. headaches, dizziness, nausea. I couldn't even make it through the first day before giving up and trashing the whole bottle. How do these companies get away with selling garbage like this?
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about gemfibrozil

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Does gemfibrozil affect the liver?

"Gemfibrozil is a drug that is associated with a small and temporary increase in the level of enzymes in the blood, and with very rare cases of liver damage."

Answered by AI

Is gemfibrozil the same as Lipitor?

"Lopid and Lipitor are two medications used to lower cholesterol levels. Lopid is also used to treat very high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with pancreatitis, while Lipitor is used to elevate HDL ("good") cholesterol."

Answered by AI

Is gemfibrozil a statin?

"Gemfibrozil is not a statin. Statins and gemfibrozil both help with cholesterol problems, but they work in different ways."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects for gemfibrozil?

"stomachache, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, rash, dizziness"

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Gemfibrozil

Image of University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Ottawa, Canada.

Exercise Training for Heart Disease

18+
Female
Ottawa, Canada
This study will compare the effects of two different types of training on exercise capacity in women with coronary heart disease (CHD). Participants will be randomized into either the virtual high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or the virtual moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training (MICT). After randomization, patients will exercise twice a week, for 12 weeks. The sessions will be conducted virtually. Patients will undergo a maximal exercise test, cardiometabolic indicators (height (cm), body mass (kg), body composition (%), waist circumference (cm) and, resting blood pressure) and complete questionnaires about quality of life, mental health, self-determined motivation, self-efficacy and enjoyment.
Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo
University of Ottawa Heart InstituteJennifer Reed, PhD
Image of West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, United States.

Lifestyle Interventions for Chronic Disease

18 - 64
All Sexes
Lewisburg, WV
Developed nations worldwide are currently enduring a health crisis, as chronic diseases continue to decrease quality of life and promote additional disease states or even death for much of the population. Rural populations are at a particular disadvantage, as they lack access to health clubs, wellness programs and similar resources that are more available in urban areas. Although pharmaceutical therapies have continued to show therapeutic advancements, the rates of disease onset and death from chronic disease has not seen similar improvements, and in fact continue to worsen. Excitingly, significant evidence has been published demonstrating an affordable, effective treatment to directly treat and prevent these chronic diseases, but few have demonstrated successful implementation of this therapy, which is improved lifestyle. Specifically, physical activity and healthy body composition are powerful therapeutics that have been demonstrated to effectively combat and prevent chronic diseases. Additionally, improving these lifestyle factors are often more effective than pharmaceutical interventions without the wide range of side effects. Unfortunately, barriers exist on multiple tiers in the practice of family medicine that demote the implementation of lifestyle medicine. To better serve patients at risk of, or suffering from chronic disease, the investigators are seeking to establish a lifestyle medicine prescription program for rural West Virginia. This program will provide patient education on the benefits of physical activity, body composition, and help patients identify strategies to implement healthy lifestyle choices that can be sustainable for the long-term. Patients will be advised on local opportunities to increase physical activity (yoga studio, martial arts, fitness facilities, aquatic center, etc.) and provided access to the facilities they are most likely to adhere to regularly. They will also be provided training on exercise techniques, equipment, and facilities to increase familiarity and comfort in these settings.
Recruiting
Has No Placebo
West Virginia School of Osteopathic MedicineChristopher L Pankey, Ph.D.
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