Gemfibrozil vs Niacin
 | Gemfibrozil |  | Niacin |  |
| Gemfibrozil is used along with a proper diet to help lower fats (triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It may also help to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL). Gemfibrozil belongs to a group of drugs known as "fibrates." It works by decreasing the amount of fat produced by the liver. Lowering triglycerides in people with very high triglyceride blood levels may also decrease the risk of pancreas disease (pancreatitis). However, gemfibrozil might not lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor about the risk and benefits of gemfibrozil. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, drinking less alcohol, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. | Niacin is used with a proper diet and exercise program to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It is generally used after non-drug treatments have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol. Niacin is also known as vitamin B-3 (nicotinic acid), one of the B-complex vitamins. It may be used with or without other medications. Lowering "bad" cholesterol/triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. Lowering fats may also help reduce the risk of pancreas problems (pancreatitis) in people at risk. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details. | |||
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Reviews
| Add Gemfibrozil review As compared to other drugs that were tried first such as zocor and like drugs which caused my skin to feel like it was on fire where as gemfibrozil has caused little side effects, just flushing at night is all which isn't fun but compared to the burning skin from the other drugs, it is liveable I have taken this for at least 10 years for Triglycerides. It controls the condition but have anemia now and taking iron infusions. I am also going to have to change this to another drug because of Plan D limitations.I now also have gout on occasions and am wondering what else would be a good alternative? lso, should I continue taking this in spite of the plan D limitations?? | Add Niacin review I just started this regimen, i.e., slo-niacin. To date (4 days) the effect has been a slight stomach discomfort but will continue to take this medication shortly after supper (not before bedtime) since I still have some food in the stomach to absorb the pill. I find taking it before bedtime 10:30 on a relatively empty stomach causes some stomach irritation. My wife and I started the niacin program, 1500 mgs/day, almost twenty years ago. It has worked wonders for both of us....we use it religiously and eat normally. Time release tablets work the best. | |||
