Drug interactions
Gemfibrozil + Lovastatin
Severity: Major
Gemfibrozil and Lovastatin: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Gemfibrozil raises the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when combined with lovastatin. Gemfibrozil inhibits statin glucuronidation and hepatic uptake, increasing statin acid exposure on top of additive muscle toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gemfibrozil and Lovastatin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Gemfibrozil belongs to Cardiovascular; Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Gemfibrozil inhibits glucuronidation and OATP1B1-mediated uptake of statin acids, raising their plasma levels, in addition to additive myotoxicity.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and use fenofibrate or another strategy if a fibrate is required. If it is unavoidable, use the lowest lovastatin dose and monitor closely for muscle symptoms and CK.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Lovastatin
- Atazanavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Lovastatin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Gemfibrozil
- Daprodustat + Gemfibrozil Contraindicated
- Elagolix + Gemfibrozil Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Metformin-repaglinide Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Gemfibrozil + Repaglinide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gemfibrozil with Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gemfibrozil and Lovastatin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Gemfibrozil raises the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when combined with lovastatin. Gemfibrozil inhibits statin glucuronidation and hepatic uptake, increasing statin acid exposure on top of additive muscle toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Gemfibrozil and Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible and use fenofibrate or another strategy if a fibrate is required. If it is unavoidable, use the lowest lovastatin dose and monitor closely for muscle symptoms and CK.
What other medicines interact with Lovastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lovastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Lovastatin page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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