Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
Gemfibrozil (Lopid) is a fibrate used mainly for high triglycerides. Its LDL effect depends on the starting lipid pattern, and LDL can rise when very high triglycerides fall. Study results
How much does gemfibrozil lower LDL cholesterol?
Gemfibrozil does not have a single dependable LDL-lowering percentage: it can lower LDL in some mixed lipid disorders but raise LDL in people with very high triglycerides. Read the evidence.
| Dose and treatment context | LDL result |
|---|---|
| 600 mg twice daily | LDL response varies; may increase |
A fall in triglycerides should not be assumed to mean a fall in LDL or ApoB. Follow-up testing needs to assess the full lipid profile.
Individual responses vary. LDL and ApoB measure different things; these LDL percentages should not be used as ApoB estimates. Compare ApoB-lowering treatments.
How is gemfibrozil taken?
Gemfibrozil is taken as 600 mg twice daily, 30 minutes before the morning and evening meals. The meal timing and twice-daily schedule differ from many other lipid medicines. Prescribing information.
How does gemfibrozil compare with other medications?
Gemfibrozil is primarily a triglyceride treatment. Compared with Fenofibrate, it has especially problematic statin interactions. For an LDL-focused goal, a statin or Ezetimibe may address the target more directly.
Which medications can be combined with gemfibrozil?
Gemfibrozil is contraindicated with Simvastatin because of severe muscle-injury risk, and combination with Rosuvastatin should be avoided. Other statins also carry interaction risks. Repaglinide is contraindicated, and warfarin requires careful monitoring.
How much does gemfibrozil cost?
Cost Plus Drugs lists gemfibrozil 600mg, 30 tablets, at $7.26 before shipping ($12.51 with standard shipping). Prices were checked October 6, 2026; the quantity is not necessarily a month’s supply.
Cost Plus Drugs
Gemfibrozil 600mg, 30 tablets: $7.26 including the dispensing fee, or $12.51 with standard shipping.
GoodRx
Compare local coupon prices for the same 600mg strength and 30 tablets. The pharmacy, ZIP code, and coupon can change the price; this is a live comparison, not a second fixed quote.
Compare the cash price with your plan’s out-of-pocket quote for the same strength and quantity. Coupon purchases may not count toward your insurance deductible.
Does insurance cover gemfibrozil?
Coverage for gemfibrozil varies by plan and formulation. These named formularies and medical policies were checked October 6, 2026; your plan’s rules and cost sharing may differ.
| Insurer | Coverage policy |
|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | UnitedHealthcare lists gemfibrozil at Tier 1, with no prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limit listed. Commercial PDL, September 2026. |
| Aetna | Aetna lists gemfibrozil as a preferred generic; some manufacturers are excluded. Advanced Control, October 2026. |
| Cigna | Cigna lists generic gemfibrozil at Tier 1, with possible home delivery and no prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limit listed. California Standard 4-Tier (DMHC), July 2026. |
| Anthem | Anthem lists gemfibrozil at Tier 1 with a limit of two tablets daily. California Individual Select, October 2026. |
| Blue Shield of California | Blue Shield of California lists gemfibrozil at Tier 1 with a limit of 2.5 tablets daily. Standard Formulary. |
| BCBS of Texas | BCBS of Texas lists gemfibrozil as a preferred generic, with no prior-authorization, step-therapy, or quantity-limit marker listed. Performance Annual, 2026. |
What are the side effects of gemfibrozil?
Abdominal discomfort and indigestion are common. Important risks include gallstones, muscle injury, and drug interactions. Severe kidney or liver dysfunction and pre-existing gallbladder disease are contraindications. Full safety information.
Does gemfibrozil reduce heart attacks or strokes?
Gemfibrozil reduced coronary events in selected men in the Helsinki Heart Study, before modern statin-based care. That evidence does not establish benefit from adding gemfibrozil to a statin, and the interaction risk changes that decision substantially. Read the supporting evidence.
Is gemfibrozil right for you?
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