Why is this medication prescribed?
Gemfibrozil is used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride (fat-like substances) levels in the blood. This may help prevent medical problems caused by such substances clogging the blood vessels.
Gemfibrozil is a lipid and a cholesterol-modifying medicine. It reduces triglycerides and increases cholesterol carried in high density lipoprotein (HDL) in the blood. HDL cholesterol is sometimes called "good" cholesterol because higher concentrations of HDL cholesterol in the blood are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
The decrease in triglycerides is thought to be due in part to a reduced release of triglycerides from fat tissue in the body. In one large study, gemfibrozil decreased the risk of heart attacks but did not affect the overall survival of persons with high cholesterols.
Dosage and using this medicine
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?