Antara
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Questions & Answers
Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
Fenofibrate at doses equivalent to 87 mg to 130 mg Antara per day has been associated with increases in serum transaminases [AST (SGOT) or ALT (SGPT)]. In a pooled analysis of 10 placebo-controlled trials, increases to >3 times the upper limit of normal occurred in 5.3% of patients taking fenofibrate versus 1.1% of patients treated with placebo.
When transaminase determinations were followed either after discontinuation of treatment or during continued treatment, a return to normal limits was usually observed. The incidence of increases in transaminases related to fenofibrate therapy appear to be dose related. In an 8-week dose-ranging study, the incidence of ALT or AST elevations to at least three times the upper limit of normal was 13% in patients receiving dosages equivalent to 87 mg to 130 mg Antara per day and was 0% in those receiving dosages equivalent to 43 mg or less Antara per day, or placebo. Hepatocellular, chronic active and cholestatic hepatitis associated with fenofibrate therapy have been reported after exposures of weeks to several years. In extremely rare cases, cirrhosis has been reported in association with chronic active hepatitis.
Regular periodic monitoring of liver function, including serum ALT (SGPT) should be performed for the duration of therapy with Antara, and therapy discontinued if enzyme levels persist above three times the normal limit.
Fenofibrate, like clofibrate and gemfibrozil, may increase cholesterol excretion into the bile, leading to cholelithiasis. If cholelithiasis is suspected, gallbladder studies are indicated. Antara therapy should be discontinued if gallstones are found.
Caution should be exercised when anticoagulants are given in conjunction with Antara because of the potentiation of coumarin-type anticoagulants in prolonging the prothrombin time/INR. The dosage of the anticoagulant should be reduced to maintain the prothrombin time/INR at the desired level to prevent bleeding complications. Frequent prothrombin time/INR determinations are advisable until it has been definitely determined that the prothrombin time/INR has stabilized.
The combined use of Antara and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should be avoided unless the benefit of further alterations in lipid levels is likely to outweigh the increased risk of this drug combination.
In a single-dose drug interaction study in 23 healthy adults the concomitant administration of fenofibrate and pravastatin resulted in no clinically important difference in the pharmacokinetics of fenofibric acid, pravastatin, or its active metabolite 3α-hydroxy iso-pravastatin when compared to either drug given alone.
The combined use of fibric acid derivatives and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors has been associated, in the absence of a marked pharmacokinetic interaction, in numerous case reports, with rhabdomyolysis, markedly elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels and myoglobinuria, leading in a high proportion of cases to acute renal failure.
The use of fibrates alone, including Antara may occasionally be associated with myositis, myopathy, or rhabdomyolysis. Patients receiving Antara and complaining of muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness should have prompt medical evaluation for myopathy, including serum creatine kinase level determination. If myopathy/myositis is suspected or diagnosed, Antara therapy should be stopped.
The effect of Antara on coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality and non-cardiovascular mortality has not been established.
In the Coronary Drug Project, a large study of post myocardial infarction of patients treated for 5 years with clofibrate, there was no difference in mortality seen between the clofibrate group and the placebo group. There was however, a difference in the rate of cholelithiasis and cholecystitis requiring surgery between the two groups (3.0% vs. 1.8%).
Because of chemical, pharmacological, and clinical similarities between Atromid-S (clofibrate), and Lopid (gemfibrozil), the adverse findings in 4 large randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies with these other fibrate drugs may also apply to Antara.
In a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), 5000 subjects without known coronary artery disease were treated with placebo or clofibrate for 5 years and followed for an additional one year. There was a statistically significant, higher age-adjusted all-cause mortality in the clofibrate group compared with the placebo group (5.70% vs. 3.96%, p=<0.01). Excess mortality was due to a 33% increase in non-cardiovascular causes, including malignancy, post-cholecystectomy complications, and pancreatitis. This appeared to confirm the higher risk of gallbladder disease seen in clofibrate-treated patients studied in the Coronary Drug Project.
The Helsinki Heart Study was a large (n=4081) study of middle-aged men without a history of coronary artery disease. Subjects received either placebo or gemfibrozil for 5 years, with a 3.5 year open extension afterward. Total mortality was numerically higher in the gemfibrozil randomization group but did not achieve statistical significance (p=0.19, 95% confidence interval for relative risk G:P=.91-1.64). Although cancer deaths trended higher in the gemfibrozil group (p=0.11), cancers (excluding basal cell carcinoma) were diagnosed with equal frequency in both study groups. Due to the limited size of the study, the relative risk of death from any cause was not shown to be different than that seen in the 9 year follow-up data from World Health Organization study (RR=1.29). Similarly, the numerical excess of gallbladder surgeries in the gemfibrozil group did not differ statistically from that observed in the WHO study.
A secondary prevention component of the Helsinki Heart Study enrolled middle-aged men excluded from the primary prevention study because of known or suspected coronary heart disease. Subjects received gemfibrozil or placebo for 5 years. Although cardiac deaths trended higher in the gemfibrozil group, this was not statistically significant (hazard ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval: 0.94-5.05). The rate of gallbladder surgery was not statistically significant between study groups, but did trend higher in the gemfibrozil group, (1.9% vs. 0.3%, p=0.07). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of appendectomies in the gemfibrozil group (6/311 vs. 0/317, p=0.029).
Legal Issues
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FDA Safety Alerts
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Manufacturer Warnings
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FDA Labeling Changes
There are currently no FDA labeling changes available for this drug.
Uses
Antara is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet to reduce elevated LDL-C, Total-C, Triglycerides, and Apo B, and to increase HDL-C in adult patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson Types IIa and IIb). Lipid-altering agents should be used in addition to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol when response to diet and non-pharmacological interventions alone has been inadequate (see National Cholesterol Education Program [NCEP] Treatment Guidelines, below).
Antara is also indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet for treatment of adult patients with hypertriglyceridemia (Fredrickson Types IV and V hyperlipidemia). Improving glycemic control in diabetic patients showing fasting chylomicronemia will usually reduce fasting triglycerides and eliminate chylomicronemia thereby obviating the need for pharmacologic intervention.
Markedly elevated levels of serum triglycerides (e.g. >2,000 mg/dL) may increase the risk of developing pancreatitis. The effect of Antara therapy on reducing this risk has not been adequately studied.
Drug therapy is not indicated for patients with Type I hyperlipoproteinemia, who have elevations of chylomicrons and plasma triglycerides, but who have normal levels of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). Inspection of plasma refrigerated for 14 hours is helpful in distinguishing Types I, IV and V hyperlipoproteinemia.2
The initial treatment for dyslipidemia is dietary therapy specific for the type of lipoprotein abnormality. Excess body weight and excess alcoholic intake may be important factors in hypertriglyceridemia and should be addressed prior to any drug therapy. Physical exercise can be an important ancillary measure. Diseases contributory to hyperlipidemia, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes mellitus should be looked for and adequately treated. Estrogen therapy, like thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers, is sometimes associated with massive rises in plasma triglycerides, especially in subjects with familial hypertriglyceridemia. In such cases, discontinuation of the specific etiologic agent may obviate the need for specific drug therapy of hypertriglyceridemia.
The use of drugs should be considered only when reasonable attempts have been made to obtain satisfactory results with non-drug methods. If the decision is made to use drugs, the patient should be instructed that this does not reduce the importance of adhering to diet (seeWARNINGS andPRECAUTIONS).
| Lipid Elevation | |||
| Type | Lipoprotein Elevated | Major | Minor |
| C=cholesterol | |||
| TG=triglycerides | |||
| LDL=low density lipoprotein | |||
| VLDL=very low density lipoprotein | |||
| IDL=intermediate density lipoprotein | |||
| I (rare) | Chylomicrons | TG | ↑↔ C |
| IIa | LDL | C | – |
| IIb | LDL, VLDL | C | TG |
| III (rare) | IDL | C,TG | – |
| IV | VLDL | TG | ↑↔ C |
| V (rare) | Chylomicrons, VLDL | TG | ↑↔ |
| LDL Level at | |||
| Which to Initiate | LDL Level at | ||
| Risk | LDL Goal | Therapeutic Lifestyle | Which to Consider |
| Category | (mg/dL) | Changes (mg/dL) | Drug Therapy (mg/dL) |
| † CHD=coronary heart disease. | |||
| †† Some authorities recommend use of LDL-lowering drugs in this category if an LDL-C level of <100 mg/dL cannot be achieved by therapeutic lifestyle changes. Others prefer use of drugs that primarily modify triglycerides and HDL-C, e.g., nicotinic acid or fibrate. Clinical judgment also may call for deferring drug therapy in this subcategory. | |||
| ††† Almost all people with 0-1 risk factor have 10-year risk <10%; thus, 10-year risk assessment in people with 0-1 risk factor is not necessary. | |||
| CHD† or CHD risk | <100 | ≥100 | ≥130 |
| equivalents | (100-129:drug optional)†† | ||
| (10-year risk >20%) | |||
| 2+ Risk Factors | <130 | ≥130 | 10-year risk |
| (10-year risk ≤20%) | 10-20%:≥130 | ||
| 10-year risk | |||
| <10%: ≥160 | |||
| 0-1 Risk Factor††† | <160 | ≥160 | ≥190 |
| (160-189: LDL-lowering | |||
| drug optional) | |||
After the LDL-C goal has been achieved, if the TG is still >200 mg/dL, non-HDL-C (total-C minus HDL-C) becomes secondary target of therapy. Non-HDL-C goals are set 30 mg/dL higher than LDL-C goals for each risk category.
History
There is currently no drug history available for this drug.
Other Information
Antara (fenofibrate) Capsules, is a lipid regulating agent available as capsules for oral administration. Each capsule contains 43 mg or 130 mg of micronized fenofibrate. The chemical name for fenofibrate is 2-[4-(4-chlorobenzoyl) phenoxy]-2-methyl-propanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester with the following structural formula:
The empirical formula is C20H21O4Cl and the molecular weight is 360.83; fenofibrate is insoluble in water. The melting point is 79°-82°C. Fenofibrate is a white solid which is stable under ordinary conditions.
Inactive Ingredients: Each gelatin capsule contains sugar spheres, hypromellose, sodium lauryl sulfate, dimethicone, simethicone, and talc. The gelatin capsules also contain sulfur dioxide, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide, Indigo carmine FD&C Blue #2, D&C Yellow #10 and black ink.
Sources
Antara Manufacturers
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Oscient Pharmaceuticals Corporation
![Antara (Fenofibrate) Capsule [Oscient Pharmaceuticals Corporation]](/wp-content/themes/bootstrap/assets/img/loading2.gif)
Antara | Oscient Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Patients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving Antara, and should continue this diet during treatment with Antara. Antara capsules may be taken without regard to meals.
For the treatment of adult patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed hyperlipidemia, the initial dose of Antara is 130 mg per day.
For adult patients with hypertriglyceridemia, the initial dose is 43 to 130 mg per day. Dosage should be individualized according to patient response, and should be adjusted if necessary following repeat lipid determinations at 4 to 8 week intervals. The maximum dose is 130 mg per day.
Treatment with Antara should be initiated at a dose of 43 mg/day in patients having impaired renal function, and increased only after evaluation of the effects on renal function and lipid levels at this dose. In the elderly, the initial dose should likewise be limited to 43 mg/day.
Lipid levels should be monitored periodically and consideration should be given to reducing the dosage of Antara if lipid levels fall significantly below the targeted range.
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Lupin Pharma
Antara | Lupin Pharma
2.1 General ConsiderationsPatients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving Antara, and should continue this diet during treatment with Antara. Antara capsules can be given without regard to meals.
Patients should be advised to swallow Antara capsules whole. Do not open, crush, dissolve or chew capsules.
The initial treatment for dyslipidemia is dietary therapy specific for the type of lipoprotein abnormality. Excess body weight and excess alcoholic intake may be important factors in hypertriglyceridemia and should be addressed prior to any drug therapy. Physical exercise can be an important ancillary measure. Diseases contributory to hyperlipidemia, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes mellitus should be looked for and adequately treated. Estrogen therapy, thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers, are sometimes associated with massive rises in plasma triglycerides, especially in subjects with familial hypertriglyceridemia. In such cases, discontinuation of the specific etiologic agent may obviate the need for specific drug therapy of hypertriglyceridemia.
Lipid levels should be monitored periodically and consideration should be given to reducing the dosage of Antara if lipid levels fall significantly below the targeted range.
Therapy should be withdrawn in patients who do not have an adequate response after two months of treatment with the maximum recommended dose of 90 mg once daily.
2.2 Primary Hypercholesterolemia and Mixed DyslipidemiaThe initial dose of Antara is 90 mg per day.
2.3 Severe HypertriglyceridemiaThe initial dose is 30 to 90 mg per day. Dosage should be individualized according to patient response, and should be adjusted if necessary following repeat lipid determinations at 4 to 8 week intervals. The maximum dose is 90 mg per day.
2.4 Impaired Renal FunctionTreatment with Antara should be initiated at a dose of 30 mg per day in patients having mild to moderately impaired renal function, and increased only after evaluation of the effects on renal function and lipid levels at this dose. The use of Antara should be avoided in patients with severe renal impairment [see Use In Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
2.5 Geriatric PatientsDose selection for the elderly should be made on the basis of renal function [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
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Lupin Pharma
Antara | Lupin Pharma
2.1 General ConsiderationPatients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving Antara, and should continue this diet during treatment with Antara. Antara tablets can be given without regard to meals.
Patients should be advised to swallow Antara capsules whole. Do not open, crush, dissolve or chew capsules.
The initial treatment for dyslipidemia is dietary therapy specific for the type of lipoprotein abnormality. Excess body weight and excess alcoholic intake may be important factors in hypertriglyceridemia and should be addressed prior to any drug therapy. Physical exercise can be an important ancillary measure. Diseases contributory to hyperlipidemia, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes mellitus should be looked for and adequately treated. Estrogen therapy, thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers, are sometimes associated with massive rises in plasma triglycerides, especially in subjects with familial hypertriglyceridemia. In such cases, discontinuation of the specific etiologic agent may obviate the need for specific drug therapy of hypertriglyceridemia.
Lipid levels should be monitored periodically and consideration should be given to reducing the dosage of Antara if lipid levels fall significantly below the targeted range.
Therapy should be withdrawn in patients who do not have an adequate response after two months of treatment with the maximum recommended dose of 130 mg once daily.
2.2 Primary Hypercholesterolemia and Mixed DyslipidemiaThe initial dose of Antara is 130 mg per day.
2.3 Severe HypertriglyceridemiaThe initial dose is 43 to 130 mg per day. Dosage should be individualized according to patient response, and should be adjusted if necessary following repeat lipid determinations at 4 to 8 week intervals. The maximum dose is 130 mg per day.
2.4 Impaired Renal FunctionTreatment with Antara should be initiated at a dose of 43 mg per day in patients having mild to moderately impaired renal function, and increased only after evaluation of the effects on renal function and lipid levels at this dose. The use of Antara should be avoided in patients with severe renal impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
2.5 Geriatric PatientsDose selection for the elderly should be made on the basis of renal function [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]
![Antara (Fenofibrate) Capsule [Lupin Pharma]](http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/image.cfm?setid=12ebf783-64df-4ffa-9e84-f8fdf4d245d4&name=loantara-figure-02.jpg)
![Antara (Fenofibrate) Capsule [Lupin Pharma]](http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/image.cfm?setid=24790a18-0291-4b88-a724-acac43b616ce&name=antara-figure-02.jpg)
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