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Compare Lopid vs. Lovaza

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Gemfibrozil (Lopid) and omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) are both used to lower triglycerides, but they work differently and have different uses. Gemfibrozil is a fibrate that helps break down fats and lowers the production of certain fats in your liver, while omega-3-acid ethyl esters contain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and their exact mechanism isn't well understood. Gemfibrozil is taken twice a day before meals, whereas omega-3-acid ethyl esters can be taken once or twice a day with food. Common side effects of gemfibrozil include indigestion and stomach pain, while omega-3-acid ethyl esters can cause burping and changes in taste. Gemfibrozil has many interactions with other medications, especially statins, and isn't recommended for people with liver, kidney, or gallbladder problems. On the other hand, omega-3-acid ethyl esters might not be suitable for people with fish or shellfish allergies and can raise the risk of irregular heart rhythms. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
    Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
  • Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
    Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)

  • Summary of Lopid vs. Lovaza

    Summary for Fibrate
    Prescription only

    Gemfibrozil (Lopid) is used as an add-on medication to diet to lower triglycerides (fats) and "bad" cholesterol (LDL). At the same time, this medication can help raise "good" cholesterol (HDL). The usual dosage is one tablet taken by mouth twice a day before meals. Common side effects of gemfibrozil (Lopid) include indigestion, stomach pain, and diarrhea. It has many interactions with other medications, including cholesterol-lowering medications called statins.

    Summary for Antilipemic
    Prescription only

    Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) is made up of two different omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This medication is used to lower triglycerides (TG) levels in adults. It works best when you're also eating a low-cholesterol diet and engaging in regular exercise. Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) is taken by mouth once or twice per day with food. Some side effects include burping, upset stomach, and changes in your sense of taste.

  • Indications of Lopid vs. Lovaza

    Indications for

    As an add-on to diet for

    •Treatment of high triglycerides
    •Lower the risk of heart disease in people with low HDL, high LDL, and high triglycerides who've tried other options (e.g., exercise, other medications)
    Indications for
    •Add-on to diet for the treatment of high triglycerides (TG) in adults with TG levels greater than 500 mg/dL

  • Pros and Cons of Lopid vs. Lovaza

    Pros and Const for Fibrate
    Pros
    •Helps lower the risk of pancreas inflammation due to very high triglyceride levels
    •An alternative cholesterol medication for people who can't tolerate statins
    •Can lower the risk of serious heart events (e.g., heart attack) by 34% in certain middle-aged men
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for lowering cholesterol
    •Can interact with statin medications, which many people take for high cholesterol
    •Should take 30 minutes before meals, which requires some planning
    •Not a good option for people who have liver, kidney, or gallbladder problems
    Pros and Const for Antilipemic
    Pros
    •Works well to lower triglyceride levels
    •Can be taken once a day
    •Ingredients and purity regulated by FDA, unlike OTC fish oils
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Approved for adults only
    •Might not be appropriate for people with fish or shellfish allergies
    •Can cause burping and changes in taste as side effects
    •Capsule might be hard to swallow for some people

  • Common Side Effects of Lopid vs. Lovaza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Indigestion (20%)
    •Stomach pain (10%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burping (4%)
    •Changes in taste (4%)
    •Upset stomach (3%)

  • Warnings of Lopid vs. Lovaza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Gallstones
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Muscle damage
    Common Side Effects for
    •Fish allergy
    •Heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter)
    •Risk of liver irritation

  • Prices with our coupons for Lopid vs. Lovaza

    Learn more about Gemfibrozil
    Learn more about Omega-3 acids

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