Gemfibrozil
Common brand names:
LopidGemfibrozil is a drug used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol. Other drugs, especially members of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor drug family, are more commonly used.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods
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Negative Interactions
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Potential Negative Interaction
Gemfibrozil
Red Yeast Rice
Monascus purpureus, a form of red yeast, is fermented with rice to produce a dietary supplement, Cholestin®, that contains low levels of lovastatin, a drug otherwise available only by prescription. Gemfibrozil taken with the prescription drug lovastatin has been reported to cause rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening muscle disease. People taking gemfibrozil should avoid lovastatin-containing products, including Cholestin®, until more is known. The levels of lovastatin in Cholestin® are significantly lower than those given of the drug as a single agent. Cholestin® also contains numerous other compounds that may alter the interaction of lovastatin and gemfibrozil.
Red Yeast RiceGemfibrozil- Garnett WR. Interactions with hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1995;52:1639-45.
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Supportive Interactions
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Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Gemfibrozil
Coenzyme Q10
In a randomized study of 21 men with combined hyperlipidemia, ten to twelve weeks of gemfibrozil therapy reduced coenzyme Q10 blood levels to the levels seen in healthy men. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.
Coenzyme Q10Gemfibrozil- 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.
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Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Gemfibrozil
Vitamin E
In a randomized study of 21 men with combined hyperlipidemia, ten to twelve weeks of gemfibrozil therapy reduced alpha- and gamma-tocopherol blood levels to the levels seen in healthy men. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown and may reflect a normal physiological response to a reduction in serum cholesterol levels.
Vitamin EGemfibrozil- 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.
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Support Medicine
Gemfibrozil
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Niacin (not niacinamide) and gemfibrozil have successfully raised HDL (good) cholesterol levels, both alone and in combination.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)Gemfibrozil- Zema MJ. Gemfibrozil, nicotinic acid and combination therapy in patients with isolated hypoalphalipoproteinemia: a randomized, open-label, crossover study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2000;35:640-6.
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