Compare Niaspan vs. Antara

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Niaspan (Niacin)

Prescription only

Antara (fenofibrate)

Prescription only
Lowers cholesterol.

Niaspan (Niacin) lowers triglycerides, but isn't as good as statins for improving cholesterol levels.

●●●●●
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.

●●●●●
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$35.14
Find instant savings near you
Lowest price
$11.99
Find instant savings near you
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
380 reviews so far
43%
saidit'sworth it
31%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Niaspan (Niacin)?

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
6possible side effects
  • Flushing
    68%
  • Itching
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    7%
  • Nausea
    5%
  • Rash
    5%
  • Cough increased
    3%
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
    • 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
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 Niaspan (Niacin)
Learn more about Antara (fenofibrate)