Antara

Antara is used for the treatment of high cholesterol and high triglycerides. It is only approved for use in adults, and is available in two different strengths. The medication, which is a form of fibrate, works by increasing the production of an enzyme (known as lipoprotein lipase) that breaks down triglyceride-rich particles and increases their removal from the body.

Antara Medicine

What Is Antara?

Antara™ (fenofibrate) is a prescription medication that is used to reduce triglyceride (a fat-like substance) and cholesterol levels in the body. Lowering the amount of these substances may help prevent conditions such as heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks. This drug should be used in combination with diet and exercise for the best results.

Who Makes This Drug?

Antara is manufactured by Oscient Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

What Is Antara Used For?

The medication has been licensed for several uses, including:

Lowering cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol). Antara can reduce total cholesterol, LDL ("bad" cholesterol), apo B (a component of cholesterol that is related to several heart disease risk factors), and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein cholesterol). It can also raise HDL ("good" cholesterol).
Lowering triglycerides in patients with hypertriglyceridemia (high triglyceride levels). Very high triglyceride levels in the body increase the risk for developing a condition known as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

Antara can actually cause an increase in LDL cholesterol for people with very high levels of triglycerides (greater than 350 mg/dL). Therefore, it should be used with extreme caution or not at all in such cases.

(Click Antara Uses for more information.)

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