Compare Niaspan vs. Antara

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

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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.

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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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$25.90
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Lowest price
$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 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)