While the HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors (-statin drugs) work on the cholesterol side, gemfibrozil works on the triglyceride side. If a person has high cholesterol and high triglycerides, they’re possibly going to be on two drugs. The statin drugs are typically used for cholesterol. Gemfibrozil is used for triglycerides. When we use this drug with a statin, there’s a chance of rhabdomyolysis occurring. This is why if someone is having muscle cramps only from taking a statin drug that it is a huge warning.
Rhabdomyolysis: Total destruction of all muscles, a fatal disease. Patients who complain about muscle cramping must have a drug test to see if rhabdomyolysis is going on because this is most probably drug related.
- Decreases triglyceride production
- May increase HDL
- May reverse plaque formation
- Drug interaction with HMG-CoA Reductase