Antara (Fenofibrate Micronized)

What is Antara?

Antara (fenofibrate) is a lipid regulating agent. It reduces the amount of ‘bad’ cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, and helps increase the level of ‘good’ cholesterol in the body.

What is Antara used for?

Antara is used to treat elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and prevent the risk of atherosclerosis and pancreatitis.

How does Antara work?

Antara works by making the liver produce less triglycerides. It also aids in removing triglycerides from the body.

How to use Antara

Antara should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

You are advised to take Antara by swallowing the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water.  You are required to take it once in a day or as prescribed by the doctor. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet before having it as the effectiveness might be lost.

If you are taking this medicine before or after medicines like cholestyramine wait for an hour before taking it.

Antara warnings and precautions

Do not take Antara if you are allergic to it or to any of its ingredients.

Avoid drinking alcohol while using Antara as it can increase triglyceride levels and may also damage your liver. Prior to taking Antara, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver or gallbladder disease; diabetes, hypothyroidism, hepatitis or cirrhosis of liver.

Exercise daily in the manner told to you by the doctor and do not get up with a jerk after sleeping.

Pregnant women must not take this medicine before consulting their doctors while lactating women should consult their doctor compulsorily before taking this medicine as it has not been known if this medicine passes through breast milk. Do not take this medicine on your own accord.

What do I do if I have missed a Antara dose?

If you have missed your Antara dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Antara overdose?

If you have taken an Antara overdose you should seek medical attention.

Antara interactions

Before taking Antara, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like warfarin or heparin or other cholesterol reducing drugs like lovastatin; fluvastatin medicines like Lescol, cyclosporine medicines like Gengraf, Neoral, or Sandimmune; simvastatins like Zocor; pravastatin like Pravachol, or cerivastatin like Baycol, or atorvastatin like Lipitor.

Such drugs can interact with Antara. Tell your doctor about the vitamins, herbal products and drugs that you use. This will help your doctor know your exact medical condition and give you the dose that will benefit you the most. Do not take any medicine without asking your doctor.

Also, do not start using a new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Antara side effects

Antara side effects include breathing difficulty; swelling of tongue, face, throat or lips.

If you notice any of the following unlikely side effects from Antara like severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea and vomiting or jaundice, tell your doctor.

This drug may cause muscle problems like rhabdomyolysis. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience muscle pain or tenderness;  chest pain, easy bleeding or bruising, fever, persistent sore throat, change in the amount of urine, unusual tiredness, pain, redness, swelling of arms or legs.
Do not ignore any symptom and keep checking with the doctor.