Examples

How It Works

These drugs lower triglycerides and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol. They may have little effect on LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.

Why It Is Used

Gemfibrozil or fenofibrate is prescribed for people who have very high triglycerides or who have low HDL and high triglycerides.

Gemfibrozil may be used to reduce the risk of heart attack in people with coronary artery disease (CAD) who have low HDL and high triglycerides.

How Well It Works

• HDL may be increased by 10% to 35%.²
• Triglycerides may be lowered by 25% to 50%.²

Gemfibrozil may lower the risk of heart attack in people who have CAD and low HDL levels.¹

Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Hives.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Fenofibrate

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Signs of an infection, such as chills, fever, or sore throat.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also:
  • Are more tired than usual.
  • Have a fever.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

• Headache.
• Stomach upset.
• Gas.

Gemfibrozil

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Severe stomach pain with nausea or vomiting.
• Fever or chills.
• Muscle pain, especially if you are weak or more tired than usual.
• Pain when you urinate.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

• Stomachache.
• Gas.
• Heartburn.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Be active and eat a cholesterol-lowering diet in addition to taking this medicine. Ask your doctor for advice on a diet that can help lower cholesterol. An example is the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet. For more information, see: