Gemfibrozil Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 16, 2024.

Applies to gemfibrozil: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of gemfibrozil

Along with its needed effects, gemfibrozil 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 side effects

• 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 gemfibrozil

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 side effects

• 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 side effects

• 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 adverse events

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]

Further information

Gemfibrozil 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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer