Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Lopid (Gemfibrozil). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Lopid (Gemfibrozil) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Lopid (Gemfibrozil). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Diarrhea
• heartburn
• nausea
• skin rash
• stomach pain, gas, or heartburn
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• signs of kidney problems (e.g., decreased urination, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the feet and ankles)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• unusual tiredness or weakness

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

• symptoms of muscle breakdown (e.g., muscle pain, unexplained muscle weakness, general feeling of being unwell, Fever)
• stomach pain (severe) with nausea and vomiting

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Lopid (Gemfibrozil).

Do not take Lopid (Gemfibrozil) if you:

• are allergic to Lopid (Gemfibrozil) or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to Fenofibrate or any other medications in the class of "fibrates" (e.g., clofibrate, Bezafibrate)
• are breast-feeding
• are pregnant
• are taking a medication for Diabetes called Repaglinide
• are taking a medication for high cholesterol called cerivastatin
• have a disorder known as type 1 hyperlipoproteinemia
• have liver disease, Kidney Disease, or gallbladder disease

There may be an interaction between Lopid (Gemfibrozil) and any of the following:

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Lopid (Gemfibrozil). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Lopid (Gemfibrozil).

Blood counts: Rarely, this medication will decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or sore throat), fatigue, or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Gallbladder disease: Lopid (Gemfibrozil) may increase the risk for gallstones. If you have a history of gallbladder disease, discuss with your doctor how Lopid (Gemfibrozil) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lopid (Gemfibrozil), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Lopid (Gemfibrozil) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Lopid (Gemfibrozil) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lopid (Gemfibrozil), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Lopid (Gemfibrozil).

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Muscle effects: When combined with medications in the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors class (commonly referred to as “statins”), there is an increased risk of muscle breakdown. If you are taking Lopid (Gemfibrozil) and one of these medications, discuss with your doctor how Lopid (Gemfibrozil) may affect your medical condition, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms of muscle breakdown, such as generalized weakness, muscle pain, a general feeling of being unwell, with or without fever, contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: Strict birth control methods must be used by women who may become pregnant while taking this medication. If you become pregnant despite using birth control, stop taking Lopid (Gemfibrozil) and contact your doctor. Women who are planning to become pregnant should stop taking Lopid (Gemfibrozil) several months before conception.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Lopid (Gemfibrozil) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Lopid (Gemfibrozil), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Lopid (Gemfibrozil) have not been established for children.