Lopid Side Effects
Generic name: gemfibrozil
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 17, 2023.
Note: This document contains side effect information about gemfibrozil. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Lopid.
Applies to gemfibrozil: oral tablet.
Serious side effects of Lopid
Along with its needed effects, gemfibrozil (the active ingredient contained in Lopid) 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 while taking gemfibrozil:
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
Other side effects of Lopid
Some side effects of gemfibrozil 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
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to gemfibrozil: compounding powder, oral tablet.
General
The most frequently reported side effects were gastrointestinal reactions and included dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, acute appendicitis, constipation, and flatulence.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Dyspepsia (19.6%)
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, acute appendicitis, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, flatulence
Rare (less than 0.1%): Pancreatitis
Frequency not reported: Colitis[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Headache
Rare (less than 0.1%): Peripheral neuropathy, paresthesia, dizziness, somnolence
Frequency not reported: Peripheral neuritis, convulsions, syncope, hyperesthesia, taste perversion, intracerebral hemorrhage[Ref]
Hepatic
Rare (less than 0.1%): Hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, hepatic function abnormal
Frequency not reported: ALT increased, AST increased, bilirubin increased, alkaline phosphatase increased[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Atrial fibrillation
Frequency not reported: Extrasystoles, vasculitis, peripheral vascular disease[Ref]
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Eczema, rash
Rare (less than 0.1%): Angioedema, urticaria, exfoliative dermatitis, dermatitis, pruritus, alopecia, photosensitivity reaction[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, vertigo
Rare (less than 0.1%): Creatine phosphokinase increased
Frequency not reported: Weight loss, viral infections, bacterial infections[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Rare (less than 0.1%): Myopathy, myalgia, painful extremities, arthralgia, synovitis, rhabdomyolysis, myositis, muscular weakness
Frequency not reported: Lupus-like syndrome, myasthenia[Ref]
Hematologic
Rare (less than 0.1%): Bone marrow failure, severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, eosinophilia, hemoglobin decreased, hematocrit decreased, WBC decreased
Frequency not reported: Anemia, bone marrow hypoplasia[Ref]
Ocular
Rare (less than 0.1%): Blurred vision
Frequency not reported: Retinal edema, cataracts[Ref]
Genitourinary
Rare (less than 0.1%): Erectile dysfunction
Frequency not reported: Impotence, male fertility decreased[Ref]
Psychiatric
Rare (less than 0.1%): Libido decreased, depression
Frequency not reported: Confusion[Ref]
Respiratory
Rare (less than 0.1%): Laryngeal edema[Ref]
Renal
Frequency not reported: Renal dysfunction, renal failure[Ref]
Oncologic
Frequency not reported: Hepatoma[Ref]
Immunologic
Frequency not reported: Positive antinuclear antibody, anaphylaxis[Ref]
More about Lopid (gemfibrozil)
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Related treatment guides
References
1. Product Information. Lopid (gemfibrozil). Parke-Davis. 2002;PROD.
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.