How does it work?

Gemfibrozil is a type of medicine known as a fibrate. It works by reducing the production of fats (lipids) by the liver. These lipids include cholesterol and triglycerides. Cholesterol is one of the body's fats (lipids). Cholesterol and triglycerides are important building blocks in the structure of cells and are also used in making hormones and producing energy. To some extent, the cholesterol level in blood depends on what you eat but it is mainly dependent on how the body makes cholesterol in the liver. Having too much cholesterol in the blood is not a disease in itself, but can lead to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). For the sake of simplicity, there are two sorts of cholesterol; a 'bad' sort called low density lipoprotein (LDL) and a 'good' sort called high density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is deposited in the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease, while HDL actually protects the arteries against this. Triglycerides can also be considered as 'bad' fats; they also contribute to the risk of heart disease. Gemfibrozil increases the breakdown of triglycerides already present in the body. It also decreases the production of triglycerides by the liver. This lowers triglyceride levels. Gemfibrozil lowers LDL cholesterol by increasing the amount which is expelled from the gall bladder in the bile. In addition, it increases the levels of HDL cholesterol. The overall result of this is lowered levels of "bad fats" and raised levels of "good fats". Fibrates have an important role in the prevention of heart disease. They reduce the risk of fats being deposited in the major blood vessels of the heart. Any blockage in the blood vessels limits the amount of blood and therefore oxygen being carried to the heart muscle. In severe cases this can result in a heart attack (myocardial infarction). This medicine is only used when blood lipid levels cannot be lowered by diet and exercise alone. It is important to follow a diet and exercise regime when taking gemfibrozil.

What is it used for?

High levels of fats

Prevention of coronary heart disease in men aged 40-55 with hyperlipidaemia that has not responded to diet or other measures

Warning!

This medicine may very rarely have side effects on the muscles. For this reason you should inform your doctor immediately if you experience any muscular symptoms such as pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness while taking this medicine, particularly if it is accompanied by a fever or feeling generally unwell. Your doctor may need to check for side effects on the muscles by taking a blood test to measure the level of a compound called creatinine kinase in your blood. If this is the case, the test should not be done following strenuous exercise.

This medicine is not recommended for use in children.

You should should continue eating a cholesterol-lowering diet during treatment with this medicine. Discuss this with your doctor.

If your doctor considers that an adequate response has not been achieved within three months of treatment with this medicine, your doctor may ask you to stop taking this medicine.

Blood tests to monitor liver function and levels of blood components should be performed before strating treatment and regularly for the first year.

Blood lipid levels should be monitored before starting and regularly throughout treatment.

Discontinue treatment with this medicine if gallstones develop.

Use with caution in

Kidney disease

Not to be used in

Alcoholism

Breastfeeding

Decreased liver function

Gall stones

Pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established, therefore it should not be used by pregnant women. Consult your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Itching (pruritus)

Blurred vision

Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)

Inability of a man to have an erection (impotence)

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Severe swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema)

Dizziness

Rapid and irregular beating of the heart (atrial fibrillation)

Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)

Muscle pain (myalgia) and weakness (myasthenia)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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