Compare Lovastatin vs. Antara

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Mevacor (Lovastatin)

Prescription only

Antara (fenofibrate)

Prescription only
Lowers cholesterol.

Mevacor (Lovastatin) can improve cholesterol, but it's not as strong as other statin medicines. Statin side effects can be difficult to deal with, but the benefits might outweigh the risks.

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3.4/ 5 average rating with 89 reviewsforLovastatin
Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides.

Antara (fenofibrate) is effective at lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels, but may cause liver problems and muscle pain.

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2.5/ 5 average rating with 56 reviewsforAntara
Upsides
  • Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) in people who have trouble doing this through diet and exercise.
  • Can lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death, particularly if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a history of smoking.
  • Antara (fenofibrate) can reduce triglycerides by about 20-50%.
  • Although not as effective at lowering triglycerides, Antara (fenofibrate) can lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL).
  • There is a less expensive generic version available.
  • You only need to take it once a day, with or without food.
Downsides
  • Not the best choice for people who have very high cholesterol levels.
  • Statins can cause digestive problems, blood sugar problems, muscle aches and stiffness, muscle injury, kidney damage, and liver damage. Some people have to stop taking this medicine because of these problems.
  • You're at higher risk for these side effects if you are female, are 65 years or older, drink alcohol every day, take more than one medicine for cholesterol, or have liver disease, kidney disease, or diabetes.
  • Not safe to use if you're pregnant.
  • Not as effective as statins in lowering cholesterol levels. You shouldn't take Antara (fenofibrate) by itself to lower cholesterol.
  • Drinking large amounts of alcohol regularly while taking Antara (fenofibrate) can increase your risk of liver damage.
  • Tell your doctor if you have a history of gallbladder, liver or kidney disease. Antara (fenofibrate) might not be the best choice to lower your triglyceride levels.
  • Antara (fenofibrate) can interact with other medications such as warfarin, colchicine, and sulfonylureas.
  • Antara (fenofibrate) was not shown to reduce rates of death in people with type 2 diabetes.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$5.60
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Lowest price
$10.60
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Reviews
89 reviews so far
43%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
22%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Mevacor (Lovastatin)?

Leave a review
56 reviews so far
27%
saidit'sworth it
14%
saiditworked well
29%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Antara (fenofibrate)?

Leave a review
Side effects
2possible side effects
  • Elevations of CK levels
    11%
  • Increase in serum transaminases
    2%
See more detailed side effects
11possible side effects
  • Abnormal liver function tests
    8%
  • Respiratory disorder
    6%
  • Stomach pain
    5%
  • Back pain
    3%
  • Headache
    3%
  • Increased AST
    3%
  • Increased ALT
    3%
  • Increased creatine phosphokinase
    3%
  • Nausea
    2%
  • Constipation
    2%
  • Hay fever
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Muscle pain
    • Kidney disease
    • High dose of Mevacor (Lovastatin)
    • Combining with certain cholesterol-lowering drugs
    • Older age and female gender
  • Liver damage
    • Heavy alcohol use
    • History of chronic liver disease
  • Harm to fetus
    • Pregnancy
    • Breast feeding
  • Drug interactions
    • Taking with certain drugs that increase the dose of Mevacor (Lovastatin) in the body
  • Muscle weakness (autoimmune)
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Muscle pain
    • Taking Antara (fenofibrate) with statins
    • Elderly patients
    • Patients with diabetes
    • Patients with a history of renal failure.
  • Liver damage
    • History of liver disease
  • Gallstones
    • History of gallstones
  • Increased bleeding risk
    • Taking Antara (fenofibrate) with anticoagulants
  • Inflammation of pancreas
  • Changes in blood tests
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Mevacor (Lovastatin)
Learn more about Antara (fenofibrate)