ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.
Overview
It's taken twice a day before meals.
What it's used for
- Very high triglycerides
- Lowering heart risk in some people
How to take it
- Take it 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner.
Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Upset stomach
- Belly pain
Call your provider todayUnexplained muscle pain or weakness
Call your provider todayUpper right belly pain or yellow skin (gallstones)
Warnings
- Not for people with severe kidney or liver disease.
Other medicines, foods, and alcohol
- Statins together raise muscle damage risk; simvastatin must not be combined.
- Never take with repaglinide.
- It raises warfarin's effect.
Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Talk with your provider.
Missed doses, overdose, and storage
If you miss a dose
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.
If someone takes too much
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.
Storing it
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.
Conditions it's used for
Sources
- DailyMed: FDA drug label for Gemfibrozil (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- MedlinePlus: Drugs, herbs, and supplements
- FDA: Drugs@FDA
Last updated 2026-11-13.