(jem FI broe zil)
Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia in Fredrickson types IV and V hyperlipidemia for patients who are at greater risk for pancreatitis and who have not responded to dietary intervention; to reduce the risk of CHD development in Fredrickson type IIb patients without a history or symptoms of existing CHD who have not responded to dietary and other interventions (including pharmacologic treatment) and who have decreased HDL, increased LDL, and increased triglycerides
Hypersensitivity to gemfibrozil or any component of the formulation; hepatic or severe renal dysfunction; primary biliary cirrhosis; preexisting gallbladder disease; concurrent use with dasabuvir, repaglinide, or simvastatin.
Documentation of allergenic cross-reactivity for fibrates is limited. However, because of similarities in chemical structure and/or pharmacologic actions, the possibility of cross-sensitivity cannot be ruled out with certainty.
Hyperlipidemia/hypertriglyceridemia: Oral: 600 mg twice daily 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. Note: Discontinue if lipid response is inadequate after 3 months of therapy.
Refer to adult dosing.
Manufacturers labeling:
Mild-to-moderate impairment: There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer 's labeling; use with caution; deterioration of renal function has been reported in patients with baseline serum creatinine >2 mg/dL
Severe impairment: There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer 's labeling; use is contraindicated
Alternate recommendations (Aronoff, 2007):
GFR >50 mL/minute: No dosage adjustment necessary.
GFR 10 to 50 mL/minute: Administer 75% of dose.
GFR <10 mL/minute: Administer 50% of dose.
Intermittent hemodialysis: Supplemental dose not necessary.
Peritoneal dialysis: Administer 50% of dose as supplement for dialysis.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer 's labeling; use is contraindicated.
Administer 30 minutes prior to breakfast and dinner.
Before initiation of therapy, patients should be placed on a standard cholesterol-lowering diet for 3 to 6 months and the diet should be continued during drug therapy. Administer 30 minutes prior to breakfast and dinner
Store at 20 ‚ °C to 25 ‚ °C (68 ‚ °F to 77 ‚ °F). Protect from light and moisture.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral:
Lopid: 600 mg [scored]
Generic: 600 mg
Acipimox: May enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of Fibric Acid Derivatives. Monitor therapy
Agomelatine: CYP1A2 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Agomelatine. Monitor therapy
Alitretinoin (Systemic): CYP2C8 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Alitretinoin (Systemic). Management: Consider reducing the alitretinoin dose to 10 mg when used together with strong CYP2C8 inhibitors. Monitor for increased alitretinoin effects/toxicities if combined with a strong CYP2C8 inhibitor. Consider therapy modification
Alitretinoin (Systemic): CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Alitretinoin (Systemic). Management: Consider reducing the alitretinoin dose to 10 mg when used together with strong CYP2C9 inhibitors. Monitor for increased alitretinoin effects/toxicities if combined with a strong CYP2C9 inhibitor. Consider therapy modification
Amodiaquine: CYP2C8 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Amodiaquine. Avoid combination
Antidiabetic Agents (Thiazolidinedione): Gemfibrozil may decrease the metabolism of Antidiabetic Agents (Thiazolidinedione). Management: Limit pioglitazone maximum adult dose to 15 mg/day, and consider dose reduction of rosiglitazone, when used in combination with gemfibrozil. Consider therapy modification
Asunaprevir: OATP1B1/SLCO1B1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Asunaprevir. Avoid combination
AtorvaSTATin: Gemfibrozil may enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of AtorvaSTATin. Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of AtorvaSTATin. Avoid combination
Bexarotene (Systemic): Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of Bexarotene (Systemic). Avoid combination
Bile Acid Sequestrants: May decrease the absorption of Fibric Acid Derivatives. Management: Separate doses by at least 2 hours to minimize this interaction; fenofibric acid labeling recommends administration one hour prior to or 4-6 hours after a bile acid sequestrant. Exceptions: Colesevelam. Consider therapy modification
Bosentan: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Bosentan. Management: Concomitant use of both a CYP2C9 inhibitor and a CYP3A inhibitor or a single agent that inhibits both enzymes with bosentan is likely to cause a large increase in serum concentrations of bosentan and is not recommended. See monograph for details. Monitor therapy
Cannabis: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong). More specifically, tetrahydrocannabinol serum concentrations may be increased. Monitor therapy
Carvedilol: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Carvedilol. Specifically, concentrations of the S-carvedilol enantiomer may be increased. Monitor therapy
Chenodiol: Fibric Acid Derivatives may diminish the therapeutic effect of Chenodiol. Management: Monitor clinical response to chenodiol closely when used together with any fibric acid derivative. Monitor therapy
Cilostazol: CYP2C19 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Cilostazol. Management: Consider reducing the cilostazol dose to 50 mg twice daily in patients who are also receiving inhibitors of CYP2C19. Consider therapy modification
Ciprofibrate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Fibric Acid Derivatives. Avoid combination
Citalopram: CYP2C19 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Citalopram. Management: Limit citalopram dose to a maximum of 20 mg/day if used with a strong CYP2C19 inhibitor. Patients using this combination should be monitored closely for evidence of citalopram toxicity (e.g., serotonin syndrome, QT prolongation, etc.). Consider therapy modification
Clopidogrel: CYP2C19 Inhibitors (Strong) may decrease serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Clopidogrel. Management: Due to a risk for impaired clopidogrel effectiveness with such a combination, carefully consider the need for a strong CYP2C19 inhibitor in patients receiving clopidogrel. Monitor patients closely for evidence of a diminished response to clopidogrel. Consider therapy modification
Colchicine: Fibric Acid Derivatives may enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of Colchicine. Monitor therapy
CycloSPORINE (Systemic): May enhance the nephrotoxic effect of Fibric Acid Derivatives. Fibric Acid Derivatives may decrease the serum concentration of CycloSPORINE (Systemic). Management: Careful consideration of the risks and benefits should be undertaken prior to use of this combination; extra monitoring of renal function and cyclosporine concentrations will likely be required. Adjustment of cyclosporine dose may be necessary. Consider therapy modification
CYP1A2 Substrates: CYP1A2 Inhibitors (Moderate) may decrease the metabolism of CYP1A2 Substrates. Monitor therapy
CYP2C19 Substrates: CYP2C19 Inhibitors (Strong) may decrease the metabolism of CYP2C19 Substrates. Consider therapy modification
CYP2C8 Substrates: CYP2C8 Inhibitors (Strong) may decrease the metabolism of CYP2C8 Substrates. Consider therapy modification
CYP2C9 Substrates: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may decrease the metabolism of CYP2C9 Substrates. Consider therapy modification
Dabrafenib: CYP2C8 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Dabrafenib. Avoid combination
Diclofenac (Systemic): CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Diclofenac (Systemic). Management: Consider using a lower dose of diclofenac when used together with a strong CYP2C9 inhibitor. Arthrotec (diclofenac and misoprostol) labeling specifically recommends limiting the total daily dose to a maximum of 50 mg twice/day. Consider therapy modification
Dronabinol: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Dronabinol. Monitor therapy
Eluxadoline: Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of Eluxadoline. Management: Decrease the eluxadoline dose to 75 mg twice daily if combined with gemfibrozil and monitor patients for increased eluxadoline effects/toxicities. Consider therapy modification
Enzalutamide: CYP2C8 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Enzalutamide. Management: Avoid concurrent use of strong CYP2C8 inhibitors and enzalutamide if possible. If the combination must be used, reduce enzalutamide to 80 mg once daily. Avoid combination
Ezetimibe: Gemfibrozil may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ezetimibe. Specifically, the risk of myopathy and cholelithiasis may be increased. Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of Ezetimibe. Avoid combination
Flibanserin: CYP2C19 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Flibanserin. Monitor therapy
Fluvastatin: Gemfibrozil may enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of Fluvastatin. Avoid combination
Grazoprevir: OATP1B1/SLCO1B1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Grazoprevir. Avoid combination
Imatinib: Gemfibrozil may decrease serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Imatinib. Specifically N-desmethylimatinib concentrations may be decreased. Gemfibrozil may decrease the serum concentration of Imatinib. Monitor therapy
Irinotecan Products: UGT1A1 Inhibitors may increase serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Irinotecan Products. Specifically, concentrations of SN-38 may be increased. UGT1A1 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Irinotecan Products. Avoid combination
Lacosamide: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Lacosamide. Monitor therapy
Lovastatin: Gemfibrozil may enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of Lovastatin. Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of Lovastatin. More specifically, gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentrations of lovastatin acid (active form of parent drug). Avoid combination
Montelukast: Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of Montelukast. Monitor therapy
OATP1B1/SLCO1B1 Substrates: Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of OATP1B1/SLCO1B1 Substrates. See separate drug interaction monographs for agents listed as exceptions. Exceptions: AtorvaSTATin; Eluxadoline; Ezetimibe; Fluvastatin; Pitavastatin; Pravastatin; Repaglinide; Rosuvastatin; Simvastatin. Monitor therapy
Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, Ritonavir, and Dasabuvir: CYP2C8 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, Ritonavir, and Dasabuvir. Specifically, the serum concentrations of dasabuvir may increase significantly. Avoid combination
Ospemifene: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Ospemifene. Monitor therapy
Parecoxib: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Parecoxib. Monitor therapy
Pioglitazone: CYP2C8 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Pioglitazone. Management: Limit pioglitazone adult maximum dose to 15 mg/day when used in combination with any strong CYP2C8 inhibitor. Consider therapy modification
Pirfenidone: CYP1A2 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Pirfenidone. Management: Use any such combination with caution and close monitoring for pirfenidone toxicity. Avoid the use of pirfenidone with moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors whenever CYP2C9, 2C19, 2C6, or 2E1 is also inhibited (either by the CYP1A2 inhibitor or by a third drug). Consider therapy modification
Pitavastatin: Gemfibrozil may enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of Pitavastatin. Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of Pitavastatin. Avoid combination
Pravastatin: Gemfibrozil may enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of Pravastatin. Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of Pravastatin. Avoid combination
Raltegravir: May enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of Fibric Acid Derivatives. Monitor therapy
Ramelteon: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Ramelteon. Monitor therapy
Repaglinide: Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of Repaglinide. The addition of itraconazole may augment the effect of gemfibrozil on repaglinide. Avoid combination
Rosuvastatin: Gemfibrozil may enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of Rosuvastatin. Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of Rosuvastatin. Management: If possible, avoid concomitant use of rosuvastatin with gemfibrozil. If concomitant can not be avoided, limit rosuvastatin to 10 mg/day (US recommendation) or 20 mg/day (Canadian recommendation). Monitor for signs/symptoms of rhabdomyolysis. Avoid combination
Selexipag: CYP2C8 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Selexipag. CYP2C8 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Selexipag. Avoid combination
Simvastatin: Gemfibrozil may enhance the myopathic (rhabdomyolysis) effect of Simvastatin. Gemfibrozil may increase the serum concentration of Simvastatin. Concentrations of the active simvastatin acid metabolite may also be increased by gemfibrozil. Avoid combination
Sulfonylureas: Fibric Acid Derivatives may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Sulfonylureas. Monitor therapy
Tetrahydrocannabinol: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Tetrahydrocannabinol. Monitor therapy
TiZANidine: CYP1A2 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of TiZANidine. Management: If combined use cannot be avoided, initiate tizanidine in adults at 2 mg and increase in 2-4 mg increments based on patient response. Monitor for increased effects of tizanidine, including adverse reactions. Avoid combination
Treprostinil: CYP2C8 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Treprostinil. Management: Reduce the initial treprostinil extended release tablet dose to 0.125 mg twice daily, titrating by 0.125 mg twice daily every 3 to 4 days. No preemptive dose adjustment is recommended for other treprostinil products. Consider therapy modification
Ursodiol: Fibric Acid Derivatives may diminish the therapeutic effect of Ursodiol. Monitor therapy
Vitamin K Antagonists (eg, warfarin): Fibric Acid Derivatives may enhance the anticoagulant effect of Vitamin K Antagonists. Consider therapy modification
Serum cholesterol, LFTs periodically, CBC periodically (first year)
>10%: Gastrointestinal: Dyspepsia (20%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Atrial fibrillation (1%)
Central nervous system: Fatigue (4%), vertigo (2%)
Dermatologic: Eczema (2%), skin rash (2%)
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain (10%), nausea and vomiting (3%)
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening; probable causation): Anemia, angioedema, arthralgia, blurred vision, bone marrow depression, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, cholestatic jaundice, decreased libido, depression, dermatitis, dermatomyositis, dizziness, drowsiness, dysgeusia, eosinophilia, exfoliative dermatitis, headache, hypoesthesia, hypokalemia, impotence, increased creatine phosphokinase, increased serum alkaline phosphatase, increased serum bilirubin, increased serum transaminases, laryngeal edema, leukopenia, limb pain, myalgia, myasthenia, myopathy, nephrotoxicity, paresthesia, peripheral neuritis, polymyositis, pruritus, Raynaud phenomenon, rhabdomyolysis, synovitis, urticaria
Reports where causal relationship has not been established: Alopecia, anaphylaxis, cataract, colitis, confusion, extrasystoles, hepatic neoplasm, intracranial hemorrhage, lupus-like syndrome, pancreatitis, peripheral vascular disease, positive ANA titer, reduced fertility (male), renal insufficiency, retinal edema, seizure, skin photosensitivity, syncope, thrombocytopenia, vasculitis, weight loss
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Cholelithiasis: May increase risk of cholelithiasis; discontinue if gallstones are found upon gallbladder studies.
- Elevated transaminases: Elevations in serum transaminases may be seen with use; periodic monitoring recommended.
- Hematologic effects: May cause mild decreases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and WBC upon initiation which usually stabilizes with long-term therapy. Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and bone marrow hypoplasia have rarely been reported. Periodic monitoring recommended during the first year of therapy.
- Malignancy: Possible increased risk of malignancy.
- Myopathy/rhabdomyolysis: Has been associated with rare myositis or rhabdomyolysis; patients should be monitored closely. Patients should be instructed to report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or brown urine.
Disease-related concerns:
- Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment; contraindicated in patients with severe impairment. Deterioration has been seen when used in patients with a serum creatinine >2 mg/dL.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
Other warnings/precautions:
- Appropriate use: Secondary causes of hyperlipidemia should be ruled out prior to therapy. Be careful in patient selection, this is not a first- or second-line choice; other agents may be more suitable. Discontinue if lipid response not seen.
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Adverse events have been observed in animal reproduction studies. The Canadian product labeling specifically contraindicates use during pregnancy and recommends gemfibrozil be discontinued several months prior to conception.
The exact mechanism of action of gemfibrozil is unknown, however, several theories exist regarding the VLDL effect; it can inhibit lipolysis and decrease subsequent hepatic fatty acid uptake as well as inhibit hepatic secretion of VLDL; together these actions decrease serum VLDL levels; increases HDL-cholesterol; the mechanism behind HDL elevation is currently unknown
Well absorbed
Hepatic via oxidation to two inactive metabolites; undergoes enterohepatic recycling
Urine (~70% primarily as conjugated drug); feces (6%)
May require several days
Serum: 1 to 2 hours
1.5 hours
99%
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience heartburn, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Have patient report immediately to prescriber muscle pain, muscle weakness, severe joint pain, severe joint edema, chills, urinary retention, change in amount of urine passed, angina, bruising, bleeding, or severe loss of strength and energy (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.