Side Effects of Gemfibrozil

Common side effects of gemfibrozil include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. Uncommon side effects include weight loss, acute appendicitis, and headache. Let your healthcare provider know immediately about any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially if you also have a fever or feel ill). These symptoms could indicate a potentially life-threatening muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis (serious breakdown of muscle), which can occur in some people who take gemfibrozil.

 

Side Effects of Gemfibrozil: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with gemfibrozil (Lopid®); but not everyone who takes gemfibrozil will have side effects. In fact, most people tolerate gemfibrozil 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 gemfibrozil 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 of gemfibrozil discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with gemfibrozil. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of possible side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Gemfibrozil

Gemfibrozil 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 gemfibrozil 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.
     
(Side Effects of Gemfibrozil Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;