Gemfibrozil
Also known as: Lopid
Gemfibrozil is used to help lower dangerously high triglyceride (fat) levels in your pet's blood. > **Important:** This medication is an *addition* to a strict low-fat diet, not a replacement for it. If your pet eats high-fat treats or food, the medication will likely not work. - **Administration:** For best absorption, try to give this medication about 30 minutes before a meal. - **Investigational Use:** This drug is FDA-approved for humans, but its use in dogs and cats is considered 'off-label' or investigational. - **What to Watch For:** Contact your veterinarian if you notice any changes in behavior, decreased activity, stomach upset (vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite), or yellowing of the eyes/gums (jaundice).
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Hypertriglyceridemia (not controlled with diet alone)
- Hypertriglyceridemia (not controlled with diet alone)
- Hypertriglyceridemia (not controlled with diet alone)
- Hypertriglyceridemia (not controlled with diet alone)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Dyspepsia (human)
- CNS effects: headache, somnolence, dizziness (human)
- Myositis (human)
- Bone marrow depression (rare, human)
Cautions & contraindications
- Severe hepatic dysfunction
- Severe renal dysfunction
- Known hypersensitivity to gemfibrozil
- Use with extreme caution in dogs or cats as very limited safety data is available for this medication. > **Pregnancy Warning:** In humans, it is FDA Category C. Animal studies (rats/rabbits) have shown decreased fertility rates, decreased litter sizes, and skeletal abnormalities at doses near the human dose. Safe use during nursing cannot be assured.
Drug interactions
- Thiazide diuretics: May possibly increase triglyceride concentrations
- Beta-blockers: May possibly increase triglyceride concentrations
- Estrogens: May possibly increase triglyceride concentrations
- Ursodiol: May reduce effectiveness of gemfibrozil
- Warfarin: Gemfibrozil may potentiate anticoagulant effects
Frequently asked questions
What is Gemfibrozil used for in pets?
Gemfibrozil is used to help lower dangerously high triglyceride (fat) levels in your pet's blood. > **Important:** This medication is an *addition* to a strict low-fat diet, not a replacement for it. If your pet eats high-fat treats or food, the medication will likely not work. - **Administration:** For best absorption, try to give this medication about 30 minutes before a meal. - **Investigational Use:** This drug is FDA-approved for humans, but its use in dogs and cats is considered 'off-label' or investigational. - **What to Watch For:** Contact your veterinarian if you notice any changes in behavior, decreased activity, stomach upset (vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite), or yellowing of the eyes/gums (jaundice).
Is Gemfibrozil safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app