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Compare Niaspan vs. Lopid

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

Key takeaways

Niacin ER (niacin) and Gemfibrozil (Lopid) are both used to manage cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct usage guidelines. Niacin ER is an antilipemic and a form of vitamin B3, and is typically taken once daily at bedtime. It works by blocking fat release from tissues and slowing cholesterol production in the liver. Common side effects include flushing and stomach upset. On the other hand, Gemfibrozil is a fibrate, and is taken twice daily before meals. It helps break down fats and lowers their production in the liver. Common side effects include indigestion, stomach pain, and diarrhea. While both medications can interact with statins, Gemfibrozil has a higher risk of causing muscle damage when combined with statins. Additionally, Niacin ER can cause liver damage and is not recommended for those with active liver disease, whereas Gemfibrozil is contraindicated in individuals with liver, kidney, or gallbladder problems.

  • Niacin er
    Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
  • Niacin er
    Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

  • Summary of Niaspan vs. Lopid

    Summary for Antilipemic

    Niacin ER (also known as vitamin B3) is a prescription antilipemic medication for adults. It's used to lower high cholesterol and triglycerides (a common form of fat) levels, but it's not a first-choice option for this condition. Niacin ER is taken by mouth once daily, while niacin (Niacor) is typically taken three times daily. Some side effects of niacin ER include flushing and stomach upset. Please note that niacin is also available over-the-counter to treat vitamin B3 deficiency.

    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.

  • Indications of Niaspan vs. Lopid

    Indications for
    •High cholesterol and high triglycerides
    •Lower risk of repeat heart attack in people with a history of heart attack and high cholesterol
    •Slow plaque buildup in the arteries of people with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and high cholesterol (as an add-on medication)
    •Severely high triglycerides in people who are at risk of pancreatitis (as an add-on medication)
    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)

  • Pros and Cons of Niaspan vs. Lopid

    Pros and Const for Antilipemic
    Pros
    •Can lower “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and raise “good” (HDL) cholesterol in people who have trouble doing so with diet and exercise alone
    •Can also lower triglycerides
    •An option for people who didn’t have success or had side effects with statins
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Doesn’t work as well as statin medications in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides
    •Can cause flushing, a bothersome side effect
    •Need to take immediate-release form multiple times a day
    •Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Niaspan vs. Lopid

    Common Side Effects for

    Extended-release tablets:

    •Flushing (up to 69%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 14%)
    •Nausea (up to 11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Indigestion (20%)
    •Stomach pain (10%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)

  • Warnings of Niaspan vs. Lopid

    Common Side Effects for
    •Muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney and heart damage (rhabdomyolysis)
    •Liver damage
    Common Side Effects for
    •Gallstones
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Muscle damage

  • Prices with our coupons for Niaspan vs. Lopid

    Learn more about Niacin er
    Learn more about Gemfibrozil

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