Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is gemfibrozil. It lowers levels of a type of fat in the blood called 'triglycerides'. It also lowers bad cholesterol, and raises good cholesterol. 

Gemfibrozil is often taken two times each day - 30 minutes before breakfast in the morning, and 30 minutes before dinner in the evening. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. 

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects tend to be related to the digestive tract. Examples of digestive side effects are heartburn, diarrhea, nausea and an upset stomach. Less common side effects include feeling a little tired or dizzy, or having slightly blurry vision. You should wait until you know how this medicine affects you before doing things that require you to be alert, like driving. It could also cause a decrease in sex drive or function. These effects are normal if they are mild, and should go away. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medication, please talk with your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects could occur. With gemfibrozil, these include an allergic reaction, muscle pain, and problems with the gallbladder, liver or kidneys. Tell your doctor if you notice any unusual changes to your body. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will order blood tests from time to time.

Drug interactions can occur. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines.

For best results with gemfibrozil, be sure to follow the diet and exercise program that your doctor recommends.