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Brand name: Gemfibrozil (AS) TM

Active ingredients: gemfibrozil

What it is used for

Gemfibrozil is indicated as an adjunct to diet and other therapeutic measures for the following: * Severe hypertriglyceridaemia (Types IV and V) in persons who present a risk of pancreatitis and who do not respond adequately to a determined dietary effort to control them. * Dyslipidaemia associated with diabetes. * Reduction of risk of coronary heart disease in patients with Type IIa and IIb hypercholesterolaemia. * Because of potential toxicity such as malignancy, gall bladder disease, abdominal pain leading to appendicectomy and other abdominal surgeries, an increased incidence in noncoronary mortality, and the 29% increase in all-cause mortality seen with the chemically and pharmacologically related drug clofibrate, the potential benefits of gemfibrozil in treating Type IIa patients with elevations of LDL choleserol only is not likely to outweigh the risks. In a subgroup analysis of patients in the Helsinki Heart Study with above median HDL cholesterol values at baseline (greater than 1.2mmol/L), the incidence of serious coronary events was similar for gemfibrozil and placebo subgroups. NOTE: Gemfibrozil is indicated when exercise, weight loss and specific dietary or other non-drug measures such as limiting alcohol intake have failed. Other medical disorders such as hypothyroidism and diabetes should be controlled as much as possible. Periodic determinations of serum lipids should be obtained during treatment with gemfibrozil. The drug should be withdrawn or additionals therapy instituted if the lipid response is deemed inadequate after three months.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.

  • Store below 30 degrees Celsius
  • Protect from Moisture
  • Protect from Light
  • Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

White, film coated, biconvex, capsule-shaped tablets engraved with 600 and a breakline on one face and plain on the other face

Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient gemfibrozil

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

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