Gemfibrozil

Gemfibrozil, sold under the brand name Lopid among others, is a medication used to treat abnormal blood lipid levels. Its is generally less preferred than statins. Use is recommended together with dietary changes and exercise. It is unclear if it changes the risk of heart disease. It is taken by mouth. Gemfibrozil, sold under the brand name Lopid among others, is a medication used to treat abnormal blood lipid levels. Its is generally less preferred than statins. Use is recommended together with dietary changes and exercise. It is unclear if it changes the risk of heart disease. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, feeling tired, and intestinal upset. Serious side effects may include angioedema, gallstones, liver problems, and muscle breakdown. Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding is of unclear safety. It belongs to the fibrates group of medications and works by decreasing the breakdown of lipids in fat cells. Gemfibrozil was patented in 1968 and came into medical medical use in 1982. It is available as a generic medication. A month supply in the United Kingdom costs the NHS about 30 £ as of 2019. In the United States the wholesale cost of this amount is about 6 USD. In 2016 it was the 132nd most prescribed medication in the United States with more than 5 million prescriptions.