Skip to main content

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

 

Get free coupons

Gemfibrozil

(Lopid)

Get free coupons

Summary for Niaspan

Prescription or over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Niaspan

  • 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)

Pros and Cons for Niaspan

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

Common Side Effects for Niaspan

Extended-release tablets:

  • Flushing (up to 69%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 14%)
  • Nausea (up to 11%)

Warnings for Niaspan

  • Muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney and heart damage (rhabdomyolysis)
  • Liver damage

Summary for Lopid

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 for Lopid

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 for Lopid

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 for Lopid

  • Indigestion (20%)
  • Stomach pain (10%)
  • Diarrhea (7%)

Warnings for Lopid

  • Gallstones
  • Interactions with other medications
  • Muscle damage

Prices with our coupons for Niaspan vs. Lopid

Price Card Drug Icon
Niacin ER90 tablets / 500mg
$29.95$288.83
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Gemfibrozil180 tablets / 600mg
$24.00$24.00
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Coronary Artery Disease and High Cholesterol drugs

Lipitor vs. NiaspanLovastatin vs. NiaspanNiaspan vs. AntaraNiaspan vs. AtorvastatinNiaspan vs. Crestor
Niaspan vs. LopidNiaspan vs. Omega-3-acidNiaspan vs. TrilipixNiaspan vs. VytorinSimvastatin vs. NiaspanZetia vs. NiaspanCrestor vs. PravastatinLipitor vs. VytorinLipitor vs. ZetiaLopid vs. LipitorLopid vs. LovazaLopid vs. TricorLopid vs. ZocorOmega-3-acid vs. CrestorOmega-3-acid vs. LopidPravastatin vs. LopidRepatha vs. CrestorTrilipix vs. CrestorTrilipix vs. LopidTrilipix vs. VytorinVytorin vs. AtorvastatinVytorin vs. CrestorVytorin vs. LopidZetia vs. CrestorZetia vs. Vytorin

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.