Drug Information
Gemfibrozil 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.
Common brand names:
Lopid
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods
Types of interactions:
Beneficial
Adverse
Check
Replenish Depleted Nutrients
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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.1 The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.
The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
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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.2 The clinical significance of this finding is unknown and may reflect a normal physiological response to a reduction in serum cholesterol levels.
The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Support Medicine
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Vitamin B3
Niacin (not niacinamide) and gemfibrozil have successfully raised HDL (good) cholesterol levels, both alone and in combination.3
Potential Negative Interaction
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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.4 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.
The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
References
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Garnett WR. Interactions with hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1995;52:1639–45 [review].
