Does Gemfibrozil Interact With Pioglitazone?
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Strong CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., gemfibrozil) increase pioglitazone concentrations.
Severity: Minor
Severity basis: drug interactions section. Combining Gemfibrozil (Fibrate) and Pioglitazone (Thiazolidinedione) is classified as a minor interaction.
What to Do
This is generally a minor interaction, but review it with your pharmacist to be sure it is safe for you.
How This Interaction Works
Interactions like this one can happen when two medicines have overlapping effects, or when one changes how the other is absorbed, broken down, or cleared from the body. Gemfibrozil is a fibrate and Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione; together they are documented as a minor interaction. How much this matters depends on your dose, your other medications, and your overall health.
If You Take Both Medications
If you have been prescribed both Gemfibrozil and Pioglitazone, do not start, stop, or change either medication on your own — some medicines are unsafe to stop suddenly. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist that you take both so they can decide whether the combination is right for you, adjust the dose, monitor you more closely, or suggest an alternative.
From the FDA Label
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Strong CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., gemfibrozil) increase pioglitazone concentrations.
Source: FDA structured product labeling (set_id 0331400c-b163-4856-bfb0-965470247cb3).
Check these against your full medication list in our free Interaction Checker
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take Gemfibrozil and Pioglitazone together?
Gemfibrozil and Pioglitazone have a documented minor interaction. This is generally a minor interaction, but review it with your pharmacist to be sure it is safe for you.
How serious is the Gemfibrozil and Pioglitazone interaction?
It is classified as a minor interaction, based on the FDA label's drug interactions section. A minor interaction is usually limited in effect but is still worth discussing with your care team.
What should I do if I'm taking both Gemfibrozil and Pioglitazone?
If you have been prescribed both Gemfibrozil and Pioglitazone, do not start, stop, or change either medication on your own — some medicines are unsafe to stop suddenly. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist that you take both so they can decide whether the combination is right for you, adjust the dose, monitor you more closely, or suggest an alternative.
This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
Other Gemfibrozil Interactions
- Gemfibrozil + Simvastatin(contraindicated)
- Gemfibrozil + Atorvastatin(major)
- Gemfibrozil + Lovastatin(major)
- Gemfibrozil + Pravastatin(major)
- Gemfibrozil + Rosuvastatin(major)
- Gemfibrozil + Colchicine(moderate)
- Gemfibrozil + Ezetimibe(moderate)
- Gemfibrozil + Glyburide(moderate)
- Gemfibrozil + Olmesartan(moderate)
- Gemfibrozil + Rifampin(moderate)
- Gemfibrozil + Valsartan(moderate)
- Gemfibrozil + Warfarin(moderate)
- Gemfibrozil + Fenofibrate(minor)
- Gemfibrozil + Montelukast(minor)