Gemfibrozil
side effects, nutrient depletions, herbal interactions and health notes:
Data provided by Applied Health
• Gemfibrozil might cause gastrointestinal upsets. You should consider an increased intake of fluids and possibly electrolytes.1
• Use of alcohol should be limited.2
• Monitor blood sugar levels carefully in diabetics, gemfibrozil may increase blood sugar levels.3
• Gemfibrozil has been shown to reduce both Co-Q10 and vitamin E levels with long term use to levels found in healthy men. The importance of this clinical finding has not yet been established.4
• These herbs may decrease blood cholesterol levels, and therefore enhance effects of Gemfibrozil: artichoke plant, fenugreek, garlic plant, and plantain. Talk to your physician before using any of these herbs with Gemfibrozil.5
• It may be advisable to avoid using these herbs with gemfibrozil due to their blood thinning properties and the known interaction between gemfibrozil and coumadin: Angelica, anise, arnica, asafoetida, bogbean, boldo, danshen, fenugreek, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng (Panax), horse chestnut, licorice, meadowsweet, prickly ash, passionflower, poplar, quassia, red clover, turmeric, and willow.6
References1 Facts and Comparisons, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000
1 Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999
2 Pronsky, ZM, et al: Food-Medication Interactions, Pottstown, PA, 11th edition, 1999
3 Facts and Comparisons, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000
3 Pronsky, Z Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999
4 Aberg F, Appelkvist EL, Broijersen A, et al. Gemfibrozil-induced decrease in serum ubiquinone and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol levels in men with combined hyperlipidaemia. Eur J Clin Invest 1998;28:235-42.
5 Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
5 Facts and Comparisons, The Review of Natural Products, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 2000
5 PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition, Medical Economics Company, 2000
6 Brinker, F Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998
6 Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
6 PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition, Medical Economics Company, 2000
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Disclaimers
The information in Drug Watch is provided as a courtesy to NewsTarget readers by Applied Health Solutions in cooperation with Healthway Solutions. Although the information is presented with scientific references, we do not wish to imply that this represents a comprehensive list of considerations about any specific drug, herb or nutrient. Nor should this information be considered a substitute for the advice of your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare practitioner. Please read the disclaimer about the intentions and limitations of the information provided on these pages. It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other drugs and nutritional supplements that you are taking if they are recommending a new medication. Copyright © 2007 by Applied Health Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.
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