Uses of Lipigem: - High triglycerides - High cholesterol Hypertriglyceridemia, Hyperlipidemia Hypersensitivity. Severe hepatic or renal dysfunction; gall stones; neonates, children, pregnancy, lactation.

Dyslipidaemic Agents

Gemfibrozil is an anti-lipemic agent. Gemfibrozil decreases serum triglycerides in healthy individuals and patients with hyper-triglyceridemia. It decreases very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)- triglyceride concentration and to a lesser extent, LDL triglyceride concentration. HDL-triglyceride is usually decreased slightly. Gemfibrozil usually increases the HDL-cholesterol fraction in healthy individuals and patients with hyperlipoproteinemia, an action that may be beneficial in slowing the progression of atherosclerosis and in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.Gemfibrozil also inhibits synthesis of VLDL carrier apolipoprotein B, leading to a decrease in VLDL production. How gemfibrozil raises HDL concentration is not known. Gemfibrozil inhibits lipolysis of fat in adipose tissue and decreases the hepatic uptake of plasma free fatty acids, thereby reducing hepatic triglyceride production.Gemfibrozil is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak concentration in plasma occurs within 1 to 2 hours; the half-life is about 1.5 hours. About 70% of a dose is excreted in the urine; little is excreted in the faeces.

How to use Gemfibrozil: Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not chew, crush or break it. Gemfibrozil is to be taken empty stomach. Administration: Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take ½ hr before meals. Adult Dose: Hypertriglyceridemia, Hypercholesterolemia 600 mg PO q12hr Hepatic impairment Contraindicated Child Dose: Safety and efficacy not established Renal Dose: Renal impairment Mild to moderate: Use caution, if baseline serum creatine in patient is >2mg/dL; deterioration of renal function reported in such patients Severe: Contraindicated

Co-admin with repaglinide may increase serum levels of repaglinide. May enhance effects of oral anticoagulants. May also increase the plasma concentrations of ciclosporin and associated nephrotoxicity when used concurrently. Potentially Fatal: Increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when used with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Hypersensitivity. Severe hepatic or renal dysfunction; gall stones; neonates, children, pregnancy, lactation.

Common - Increased liver enzymes - Vomiting - Nausea - Abdominal pain - Diarrhea - Flatulence >10% Dyspepsia (20%) 1-10% Abdominal pain (10%),Atrial fibrillation (1%),Diarrhea (7%),Fatigue (4%),N/V (3%),Eczema (2%),Rash (2%),Vertigo (2%),Constipation (1%),Headache (1%) <1% Myalgia,Rhabdomyolysis (especially with admin with statin),Acute appendicitis,Cholelithiasis,Angioedema,Hypokalemia,Eosinophilia,Myopathy,Synovitis,Taste disturbance,Xerostomia,Flatulence,Rash Potentially Fatal: Bone marrow hypoplasia; intracranial haemorrhage; nephrotoxicity; peripheral neuritis.

Safe use in human pregnancy has not been established. It is not known whether gemfibrozil is secreted in human milk. Like most drugs, gemfibrozil should normally be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

Precaution: Causes of secondary hyperlipidaemia such as hypothyroidism and diabetes must be treated before initiating therapy. Renal impairment; blood disorders. Periodic monitoring of the serum lipids should be done; if no adequate response after 3 mth, treatment should be withdrawn. May increase risk of cholelithiasis. Lactation: Not recommended

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Dyslipidaemic Agents

Gemfibrozil exhibits its action by inhibition of lipolysis and reduction of hepatic fatty acid uptake. It also inhibits secretion of VLDL from the liver.

Safe use in human pregnancy has not been established. It is not known whether gemfibrozil is secreted in human milk. Like most drugs, gemfibrozil should normally be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.