Gemfibrozil

Hyperlipidemia, Hyperlipidemia, Hyperlipidemia + 1 more
Treatment
7 FDA approvals
8 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
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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, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Coronary Heart Disease
, 600.0 mg, 300.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Hyperlipidemia
, 600.0 mg, 300.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Hyperlipidemia
, 600.0 mg, 300.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral

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.
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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
8 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.
View All Reviews
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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

Have you considered Gemfibrozil clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Gemfibrozil, we think they might fit your search criteria.