Lopid Side Effects: An Introduction
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with
Lopid® (
gemfibrozil); but not everyone who takes Lopid will have side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Lopid well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
The use of Lopid has been associated with a rare but serious side effect known as rhabdomyolysis (serious breakdown of muscle). Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if they are accompanied by a fever or unusual tiredness
(see Lopid and Muscle Pain).
(The side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with Lopid. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of possible side effects with you.)
Common Lopid Side Effects
Lopid has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials.
In these studies, side effects are always documented and compared to side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common Lopid side effects include:
- Heartburn or indigestion -- up to 19.6 percent
- Abdominal pain -- up to 9.8 percent
- Diarrhea -- up to 7.8 percent
- Fatigue -- up to 3.8 percent
- Nausea or vomiting -- up to 2.5 percent.