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Overview: Gemfibrozil is used to lower triglyceride levels in people at risk of pancreatitis, and to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease in people with certain types of high cholesterol. It works by lowering the amount of triglycerides made by the liver. Common side effects include upset stomach or indigestion, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Contact your health care provider or seek care right away if you have your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish, unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, or fever with shortness of breath.

Uses

What is gemfibrozil used for?

Gemfibrozil is commonly used to lower the blood triglyceride level in people at risk of pancreatitis. Triglyceride is a type of fat in your blood. Having high triglyceride levels can raise your risk of pancreatitis. 

Gemfibrozil is also used to reduce the risk of getting coronary artery disease in people with certain types of high cholesterol.  

Gemfibrozil may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does gemfibrozil work (mechanism of action)?

Gemfibrozil lowers the amount of triglycerides made by the liver. 

How is gemfibrozil supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Lopid

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 600 mg oral tablets

How should I store gemfibrozil?

Gemfibrozil should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of gemfibrozil?

The most common side effects of gemfibrozil are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Upset stomach or indigestion
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea

There may be other side effects of gemfibrozil that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of gemfibrozil?

While less common, the most serious side effects of gemfibrozil are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Gallbladder Problems. Taking gemfibrozil can cause gallbladder problems, including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis (also known as gallstones). Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
  • Fever
  • Pain in your upper stomach area
  • Stool (poop) that is clay-colored

Muscle Problems. Gemfibrozil can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myositis. Talk with your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
  • Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
  • Skin rashes
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing

Blood Disorders. Gemfibrozil can cause blood disorders, such as severe anemia, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Stop taking gemfibrozil and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking gemfibrozil. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Talk with your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Severe Allergic Reactions. Gemfibrozil may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using gemfibrozil and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use gemfibrozil?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take gemfibrozil.

  • Gemfibrozil
  • Lopid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific gemfibrozil products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Gemfibrozil should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking gemfibrozil, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Gallbladder Problems. Gemfibrozil should not be used if you have or have had gallbladder problems. If there is a concern about the health of your gallbladder, your health care provider may do tests to know if they are working well enough to take this medicine.

Kidney Problems. Gemfibrozil should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your health care provider may do tests to know if they are working well enough to take this medicine.

Liver Problems. Gemfibrozil should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to know if it is working well enough to take this medicine.

What should I know about gemfibrozil before using it?

Follow a diet and exercise plan as recommended by your health care provider. 

Do not take gemfibrozil unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share gemfibrozil with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep gemfibrozil out of the reach of children.

What should I tell my health care provider before using gemfibrozil?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if gemfibrozil is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

  • Kidney Problems
  • Liver Problems 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how gemfibrozil could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.      

Breastfeeding. It is not known if gemfibrozil passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop gemfibrozil

Interactions

Does gemfibrozil interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between gemfibrozil and foods or drinks.

It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Your risk of pancreatitis may be higher if you drink alcohol.

Does gemfibrozil interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking gemfibrozil.

  • A statin, such as simvastatin (Zocor) or rosuvastatin (Crestor), which are medicines use for high cholesterol 
  • A blood thinner, such as warfarin (Coumadin), which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • Repaglinide (Prandin), which is a medicine used for diabetes 
  • Selexipag (Uptravi), which is a medicine used for pulmonary arterial hypertension
  • Enzalutamide (Xtandi), which is a medicine used for prostate cancer
  • Bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), which are medicines used for high cholesterol
  • Colchicine, which is a medicine commonly used for gout 

Gemfibrozil may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with gemfibrozil. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much gemfibrozil?

If you or someone else has used too much gemfibrozil, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of gemfibrozil?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.