Clofibrate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 2, 2024.

Applies to clofibrate: oral capsule.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Follow any diet or exercise plan outlined by your doctor.

Diet and exercise are very important factors in controlling cholesterol.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, fever and chills, a sore throat, a flulike feeling, blood in your urine, a decrease in urination, muscle cramps, muscle pain, muscle weakness, painful joints, swelling in your ankles or legs, or sudden weight gain.

These could be early signs of serious side effects.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking clofibrate and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• chest pain or an irregular heart beat;

• severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting;

• fever and chills, a sore throat, or a flu-like feeling;

• blood in your urine or a decrease in urination;

• swelling of your ankles or legs;

• muscle cramps, muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle pain;

• joint pain; or

• sudden weight gain.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take clofibrate and talk to your doctor if you experience

• bloating or flatulence;

• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

• headache;

• dizziness or drowsiness; or

• impotence.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to clofibrate: oral capsule.

General adverse events

In general, the most common adverse effects due to clofibrate therapy are gastrointestinal in nature (especially nausea) and may subside over time or with a decreased dosage.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal reactions may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastritis, weight loss or gain, and gallstones (during prolonged therapy).^[Ref]

Cholelithiasis and cholecystitis (sometimes requiring surgery or resulting in pancreatitis) occur more frequently in patients receiving clofibrate than in patients receiving placebo.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal effects (myopathy) typically occur as a "flu-like" syndrome (myalgia, cramps, muscle weakness, and arthralgia). Rhabdomyolysis with an accompanying increase in creatinine kinase and creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) has been reported in patients with renal disease.^[Ref]

Patients diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis are usually asymptomatic clinically several days after discontinuing clofibrate, but the muscle enzymes may remain elevated for a more prolonged period. Severe renal disease may increase the risk of myopathies, perhaps because of accumulation of the active metabolite clofibric acid.^[Ref]

Metabolic

Electrolyte disturbances like hyperkalemia have been reported in patients with renal insufficiency who receive clofibrate.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Central nervous system depressant effects may include fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, and/or dizziness. Headache has also been reported.^[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic adverse effects may include leukopenia, anemia, eosinophilia, agranulocytosis, and potentiation of anticoagulant effects. Because of these effects, some clinicians recommend periodic monitoring of blood counts.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular complications may include various arrhythmias and altered angina pectoris. Swelling and phlebitis have occurred at xanthomata sites.^[Ref]

Renal

Renal dysfunction (including dysuria, hematuria, proteinuria, and decreased urine output) has been reported. Acute renal failure and interstitial nephritis have also been reported.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Decreased libido (primarily in men) and impotence have been reported.^[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic disorders may include elevated liver enzymes and/or hepatomegaly. (Liver biopsy, when performed in this setting, is usually normal.) Clofibrate should be used cautiously for patients with a history of jaundice or liver disease.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic reactions which occur in about 2% of patients may include urticaria, rash, dry skin, and alopecia. Erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have occurred rarely.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

One case of a hypersensitivity reaction occurring as eosinophilic pneumonia has been reported.^[Ref]

Other

Fever, which occurred on rechallenge with clofibrate, has been reported in one case.^[Ref]

Oncologic

Oncologic effects of tumor growth in rodents have been associated with many lipid-lowering drugs. Clofibrate has been associated with liver, pancreatic and testicular tumors in rats. Long-term clinical trials are needed to define the risk of cancer in humans.^[Ref]

Further information

Clofibrate side effects can vary depending on the individual. 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.

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