provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Gemfibrozil Coupon - Gemfibrozil 600mg tablet

gemfibrozil

Generic Lopid
Used for Coronary Artery Disease, High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides
Used for Coronary Artery Disease, High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides

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.

Last reviewed on June 4, 2023
basics-icon

What is Gemfibrozil (Lopid)?

What is Gemfibrozil (Lopid) used 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)

How Gemfibrozil (Lopid) works

Gemfibrozil (Lopid) is a fibrate. It works by helping to break down fats in your body. It also lowers the production of certain fats in your liver. This leads to the lowering of triglycerides (fats) and "bad" cholesterol (LDL) while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the body.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsLopid
Drug ClassFibrate
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$73.32(save 67.27%)
GoodRx discount
$24.00
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Gemfibrozil (Lopid)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

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

Other Side Effects

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Feeling tired
  • Headache
  • Spinning sensation
  • Skin reaction, including rash

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

cough or hoarseness

difficult, burning, or painful urination

fever or chills

frequent urge to urinate

lower back or side pain

Incidence not known

Black, tarry stools

chest pain

dark-colored urine

indigestion

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

muscle cramps or spasms

muscle pain or stiffness

muscular pain, tenderness, wasting, or weakness

pale skin

severe nausea or vomiting

shortness of breath

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stomach pain

swollen glands

troubled breathing with exertion

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Acid or sour stomach

bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste

belching

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

change in taste

diarrhea

heartburn

stomach discomfort or upset

Less common

Difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

dizziness or lightheadedness

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

headache

nausea

sensation of spinning

skin rash, encrusted, scaly and oozing

vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

pharmacist
  • Take gemfibrozil (Lopid) 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner every day. This will help the medication get absorbed into your body and work the best for you.

    • To get the most benefit from your gemfibrozil (Lopid) treatment, follow a diet that's low in fats, and eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Try to exercise 3 to 4 times a week, for a total of 150 minutes of exercise per week. Ask your provider if you need help figuring out your diet or exercise plan.

      • Make sure to keep up with all of your labs and follow-up appointments so you and your provider can track how well gemfibrozil (Lopid) is working for you. If your cholesterol and triglyceride levels don't improve in the first 3 months, gemfibrozil (Lopid) might not be the best medication for you. Your provider can discuss other treatment options with you.

        • If you're taking gemfibrozil (Lopid), let your provider know if you're starting another medication so they can check for possible interactions.

          • It's not known if gemfibrozil (Lopid) is safe to take while you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Let your provider know if this applies to you.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

            Is gemfibrozil (Lopid) a statin?
            No. Gemfibrozil (Lopid) is a fibrate, which is a class of medications that help with cholesterol problems, especially high triglycerides. Statins also help with cholesterol problems, but they work differently than gemfibrozil (Lopid).
            Can I take gemfibrozil (Lopid) after I eat?
            Your body absorbs the most amount of gemfibrozil (Lopid) if you take it 30 minutes before a meal. If you take gemfibrozil (Lopid) after eating food, less medication gets absorbed into your body, which might affect how well it works for you.
            Does gemfibrozil (Lopid) cause erectile dysfunction?
            Problems getting or keeping an erection have been reported by men who've taken gemfibrozil (Lopid). While it seems to be rare, let your provider know if you notice any changes in your ability to get or maintain an erection during treatment.
            Does gemfibrozil (Lopid) cause weight gain or weight loss?
            Weight gain isn't a known side effect of gemfibrozil (Lopid). Some people have reported weight loss while taking gemfibrozil (Lopid), though it's not known if this is an effect of the medication. Remember that it's best to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle in order to lose weight and to get the most benefit from taking gemfibrozil (Lopid).
            Does gemfibrozil (Lopid) interact with statins?
            Yes. Taking gemfibrozil (Lopid) together with a statin raises your risk of muscle pain or muscle weakness and a condition called rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). If severe enough, these muscle problems can lead to kidney damage. Because of this risk, it's not recommended to take gemfibrozil (Lopid) with simvastatin (Zocor), and you should avoid taking it with other statins too. If your provider recommends a statin for you while you're taking gemfibrozil (Lopid), they'll probably lower your statin dose to prevent these problems.
            Can I take gemfibrozil (Lopid) with alcohol?
            It's best not to drink alcohol if you're taking gemfibrozil (Lopid). Drinking alcohol can raise your triglyceride and "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels. It's important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to get the most benefit from gemfibrozil (Lopid). This includes limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, or better yet, avoiding alcohol altogether.
            What's the difference between gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate?
            Both gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate (Tricor, Trilipix) are used in addition to diet to lower fat in the blood. However, fenofibrate is preferred over gemfibrozil (Lopid) if you're already taking a statin medication and need additional treatment. This is because there's a lower risk of muscle problems when statins are taken with fenofibrate than with gemfibrozil (Lopid). Fenofibrate (Tricor, Trilipix) is available as tablets and capsules, and it's only taken once a day. This is compared to gemfibrozil (Lopid), which is only available as a tablet and taken twice a day. There are some other similarities and differences between the two medications that you can learn more about.
            GoodRxEducationalIcon

            How to save using GoodRx

            Compare Prices
            1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
            Select your free coupon
            2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
            Show coupon to your pharmacist
            3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
            Get free couponLearn more
            warings-icon

            What are the risks and warnings for Gemfibrozil (Lopid)?

            Gemfibrozil (Lopid) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Gallstones

            Gemfibrozil (Lopid) can cause gallstones. Let your provider know right away if you experience stomach, back, or shoulder pain, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of your eyes or skin. You shouldn't use gemfibrozil (Lopid) if you've had gallbladder problems before.

            risk-warning

            Interactions with other medications

            Gemfibrozil (Lopid) can interact with other medications. These interactions can be dangerous. If you're taking the blood thinner medication warfarin (Coumadin), let your provider or pharmacist know that you're also taking gemfibrozil (Lopid). Make sure to get your blood checks regularly. This is because gemfibrozil (Lopid) might raise the risk of bleeding in people taking warfarin (Coumadin).

            Don't take gemfibrozil (Lopid) together with simvastatin (Zocor) since this combination can cause serious muscle damage and kidney failure. Your provider will switch you to a different statin if needed.

            Always check with your provider or pharmacist before starting a new medication, vitamin, or supplement while you're taking gemfibrozil (Lopid).

            risk-warning

            Muscle damage

            • Risk factors: Taking statin medications

              Gemfibrozil (Lopid) might cause muscle damage. If severe enough, this can lead to kidney damage or even kidney failure. The risk is higher if you're also taking a statin medication. Talk to your provider if you develop sudden muscle pain, weakness, or dark-colored urine during treatment.

              dosage

              Gemfibrozil (Lopid) dosage forms

              The average cost for 180 tablets of 600mg of Gemfibrozil (Lopid) is $24.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 67.27% off the average retail price of $73.32.
              tablet
              Tablet
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              600mg180 tablets$24.00$0.13

              Typical dosing for Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

              The typical dose is 600 mg by mouth twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner.

              More on Gemfibrozil (Lopid) dosage forms

              interactions

              Interactions between Gemfibrozil (Lopid) and other drugs

              Gemfibrozil (Lopid) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Gemfibrozil (Lopid). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

              drug-cost

              How much does Gemfibrozil (Lopid) cost?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
              contraindications-icon

              Gemfibrozil (Lopid) contraindications

              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Gemfibrozil (Lopid) will not be safe for you to take.
              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Gemfibrozil (Lopid)?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Gemfibrozil (Lopid). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
              Used 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)

              $24.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              • High cholesterol

              • High triglycerides (fats)

              $15.10 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              $12.38 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              images

              Gemfibrozil (Lopid) images

              White Oblong 225 And I G - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "225" And "I G".White Oblong 225 And I G - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              White Oval N111 - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "N111".White Oval N111 - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              White Oval 1 - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oval, Multi-Segmented Tablet Imprinted With "1".White Oval 1 - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              White Oval 1 - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oval, Multi-Segmented Tablet Imprinted With "1".White Oval 1 - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              White Oval C E And 51 - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "51" And "C E".White Oval C E And 51 - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              White Oval 5 53 - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "5 53".White Oval 5 53 - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              White Oval 5 53 - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "5 53".White Oval 5 53 - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              White Oblong 82 And E - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "82" And "E".White Oblong 82 And E - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              White Oblong 82 And E - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "82" And "E".White Oblong 82 And E - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              White Oblong C 17 - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "C 17".White Oblong C 17 - Gemfibrozil 600mg Tablet

              Get savings updates for Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

              Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Gemfibrozil (Lopid) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

              By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

              References

              Best studies we found
              View All References (2)

              Quintanilla Rodriguez, B. S., et al. (2023). Gemfibrozil. StatPearls.

              Rizvi, K., et al. (2002). Do lipid-lowering drugs cause erectile dysfunction? A systematic review. Family Practice.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
              Was this page helpful?

              Browse medications

              View All

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