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Lovaza vs. Lopid

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

Key takeaways

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) and gemfibrozil (Lopid) are both used to lower triglycerides, but they work differently and belong to different medication classes. Lovaza is an antilipemic made up of omega-3 fatty acids, while Lopid is a fibrate that helps break down fats and lowers their production in the liver. Lovaza is taken once or twice a day with food, whereas Lopid is taken twice a day, 30 minutes before meals. Lovaza can cause burping and changes in taste, while Lopid commonly causes indigestion, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Lovaza is not known to interact with statins, but Lopid can interact with them, increasing the risk of muscle damage. Additionally, Lovaza is not suitable for people with fish allergies, and Lopid is not recommended for those with liver, kidney, or gallbladder problems. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

Omega-3 acids

(Lovaza)

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Gemfibrozil

(Lopid)

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Summary for Lovaza

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 for Lovaza

  • Add-on to diet for the treatment of high triglycerides (TG) in adults with TG levels greater than 500 mg/dL

Pros and Cons for Lovaza

Pros

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 for Lovaza

  • Burping (4%)
  • Changes in taste (4%)
  • Upset stomach (3%)

Warnings for Lovaza

  • Fish allergy
  • Heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter)
  • Risk of liver irritation

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 Lovaza vs. Lopid

Price Card Drug Icon
Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters120 capsules / 1g
$33.40$71.70
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Gemfibrozil180 tablets / 600mg
$24.00$24.00
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