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

  • Summary of Lovaza vs. Lopid

    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.

    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 Lovaza vs. Lopid

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

    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
    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 Lovaza vs. Lopid

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

  • Warnings of Lovaza vs. Lopid

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Lovaza vs. Lopid

    Learn more about Omega-3 acids
    Learn more about Gemfibrozil

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