Compare Niaspan vs. Antara
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Lowers cholesterol.
Niaspan (Niacin) lowers triglycerides, but isn't as good as statins for improving cholesterol levels.
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3.2/ 5 average rating with 380 reviewsforNiaspan
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 raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) in people who have trouble doing this through diet and exercise.
- Good for lowering triglycerides (fats).
- 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
- By itself, Niaspan (Niacin) isn't as effective as statins for improving cholesterol levels.
- It can cause flushing and stomach pain or discomfort.
- You need to take it before bedtime with a low-fat snack.
- If you miss doses often, you may need to re-start taking the medicine more regularly at a lower dose.
- 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.
Used for
- High cholesterol
- High triglycerides (fats)
- Prevention of repeat heart attacks in people with high cholesterol
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$24.92
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$10.60
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Reviews
380 reviews so far
43%
saidit'sworth it
31%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Niaspan (Niacin)?
Leave a review56 reviews so far
27%
saidit'sworth it
14%
saiditworked well
29%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Antara (fenofibrate)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
6possible side effects
- Flushing68%
- Itching8%
- Diarrhea7%
- Nausea5%
- Rash5%
- Cough increased3%
11possible side effects
- Abnormal liver function tests8%
- Respiratory disorder6%
- Stomach pain5%
- Back pain3%
- Headache3%
- Increased AST3%
- Increased ALT3%
- Increased creatine phosphokinase3%
- Nausea2%
- Constipation2%
- Hay fever2%
Risks and risk factors
- Muscle pain
- Taking Niaspan (Niacin) with statins
- Liver damage
- Heavy alcohol use
- Past history of liver disease
- High blood sugar
- Diabetes
- Low platelets
- Taking Niaspan (Niacin) with anticoagulants
- Gout
- Gout
- 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