Antara Alternatives

Many other medications can be used as a substitute for Antara. Alternatives may include other types of fibrates or other cholesterol medicines, such as statins, bile acid sequestrants, niacin, or cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Fibrate options include gemfibrozil and other fenofibrate drugs, such as Triglide, Lipofen, Tricor, or Lofibra. In most cases, Antara alternatives are prescribed when side effects become troublesome.

 

Antara Alternatives: An Overview

Lifestyle changes are often the first line of treatment for lowering cholesterol. However, for some people, treating high cholesterol or high triglycerides with a low cholesterol diet, weight control, and exercise are not enough. If lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient, your doctor can prescribe medications. One such medicine is Antara™ (fenofibrate). For most people, Antara is quite effective in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides; it is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, and people may wish to consider a substitute for Antara. Alternatives could include other fibrates, as well as other cholesterol medicines.
 

Other Fibrates as Antara Alternatives

Antara is part of a class of drugs known as fibric acid derivatives (also known as fibrates).
 The drug works by increasing the production of an enzyme (lipoprotein lipase) that breaks down triglyceride-rich particles (VLDL) and increases their removal from the body. This causes a decrease in triglyceride levels in the blood. Antara can also decrease the amount of these particles that are made and released from the liver.
 
Depending on the type of cholesterol problem you have, Antara may also:
 
Besides Antara, there are other fibrates available by prescription. These possible Antara alternatives include gemfibrozil (Lopid®) and other fenofibrates (Triglide™, Lipofen®, Tricor®, Lofibra®).
 
(Antara Alternatives Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;