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Tricor vs. Lopid

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

Key takeaways

Fenofibrate (Tricor, Trilipix) and gemfibrozil (Lopid) are both fibrates used to lower triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol (LDL) while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL). However, there are some key differences between the two. Fenofibrate is available in various forms, including capsules and tablets, and is typically taken once a day. In contrast, gemfibrozil is only available as a tablet and must be taken twice a day, 30 minutes before meals. Fenofibrate is preferred if you are already taking a statin because it has a lower risk of muscle problems compared to gemfibrozil. Common side effects of fenofibrate include liver problems and stomach pain, while gemfibrozil often causes indigestion and stomach pain. Both medications can interact with other drugs, but gemfibrozil has more interactions, especially with statins, which can lead to serious muscle damage. Fenofibrate is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and gemfibrozil's safety in these conditions is also uncertain.

Fenofibrate

 

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Gemfibrozil

(Lopid)

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Summary for Tricor

Prescription only

Fenofibrate (also known as fenofibric acid) is used as an add-on medication to diet to treat high triglycerides and high cholesterol. Common side effects include liver problems, breathing problems, and stomach pain. Fenofibrate includes a warning about avoiding statin medications because of the risk of muscle damage, and also because it doesn't add any extra benefit in reducing the risk of heart problems compared to taking a statin alone. Fenofibrate is available in many brand names (e.g., Antara, Tricor, Trilipix), generics, and dosage forms (e.g., micronized capsules, delayed-release capsules, tablets).

Indications for Tricor

Pros and Cons for Tricor

Pros

  • Lowers triglycerides and LDL ("bad" cholesterol) while raising HDL ("good" cholesterol)
  • Only needs to be taken once daily
  • Some brands can be taken with or without food
  • Some brands available as lower-cost generics

Cons

  • Need to take it alongside a low-fat diet; doesn't work well on its own
  • Can cause muscle damage, especially if taken with a statin
  • Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Can't take if you have liver, severe kidney, or gallbladder problems

Common Side Effects for Tricor

Warnings for Tricor

  • Liver damage
  • Muscle damage (myopathy and rhabdomyolysis)
  • Possible effect on the kidneys
  • Allergic reactions
  • Gallstones
  • Pancreatitis
  • Blood clots

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 Tricor vs. Lopid

Price Card Drug Icon
Fenofibrate30 tablets / 160mg
$12.69$49.48
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Price Card Drug Icon
Gemfibrozil180 tablets / 600mg
$24.00$24.00
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