What is gemfibrozil?
Gemfibrozil belongs to the fibrates. Fibrates stimulate the enzymes which play a role in the storing, processing and burning of fat. As a result, reduces the amount of fat in the blood. In addition, fibrates have also a favorable influence on the form in which cholesterol is located in the blood.
Because of potential side effects with certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, the statins, this substance in Belgium is not on the market. In 2001 removed after a number of deaths by combination therapy with Cerivastatin latter means worldwide market. In the Netherlands Gemfibrozil is available on prescription.
Indications
Doctors prescribe it at too high blood fat, or a combination of too high in fat and high cholesterol.
Gemfibrozil side effects
At Times
- Stomach or intestinal upset (nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence or diarrhea)
Rarely
- Headache, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness
- Skin rash, itching, redness
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Impotence or reduction of libido
Very rare
- Hair loss, sensitivity to sunlight
- Muscle pain, weakness and muscle cramps
- Liver inflammation
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Blood disorders
Interactions
- Blood thinners Acenocoumarol (Sintrom) and Phenprocoumon (warfarin)
- Certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, namely statins. In combination with gemfibrozil, there is a greater risk of muscle disorders
- Repaglinide (NovoNorm) used an agent in diabetes