Niacor

The active ingredient in Niacor is niacin. Niacin is a naturally occurring vitamin (vitamin B3) and an antilipemic drug. It is believed to function by slowing down the liver's synthesis of cholesterol and preventing the release of fat from fatty tissue. Additionally, it activates some crucial pathways that the body uses to eliminate triglycerides. Because of these effects, it can help increase "good" or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels while lowering "bad" or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Niacor. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Niacor:

• Avoid crushing, chewing, breaking, or opening the capsule or tablet; instead, swallow it whole.
• If you move to a new brand, strength, or form of this medication, your dosage requirements may also change.
• Consult your doctor before restarting Niacor if you have stopped taking it for an extended period.
• Niacor is but one component of a comprehensive therapy plan that may include weight management, exercise, and food. Pay strict attention to your exercise, medicine, and nutrition regimens.
• To help stop flushing, your doctor could advise you to take aspirin or an NSAID (such as Aleve, Advil, or ibuprofen). Continue taking these medications as directed by your physician.

The most common side effects of Niacor include:

• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting and nausea.
• Flushing.
• Itching, rash, and dry skin.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Niacor. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe stomach discomfort, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, extreme nausea, or vomiting are signs of liver impairment.
• Rhabdomyolysis is the term for inexplicable, intense muscle weakening, muscle pain, or discomfort.
• An allergic reaction to the medication.
• High blood sugar levels.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Niacor. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Niacor, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Severe liver disease.
• A stomach ulcer.
• A bleeding problem.
• Liver disease.
• Kidney problems.
• Heart disease, a history of heart attacks, and chest pain (angina).
• Gout.
• Diabetes.
• If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take niacin at least 4-6 hours before.
• Lab tests (such as blood lipids, blood sugar, and liver function) should be done while you are taking this medication.

• Active liver disease.
• Active peptic ulcer disease.
• Unexplained high liver enzymes.
• Arterial bleeding.

Niacin, a B vitamin, may assist in effectively lowering cholesterol, however, the time it takes varies. Niacin's effect on cholesterol levels can take many weeks. Niacin, commonly known as vitamin B3, helps turn food into energy by using fats and proteins.

When Niacor is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Other triglyceride or cholesterol-lowering medications like simvastatin, cholestyramine, or colestipol.
• Colestipol.
• Aspirin.
• Certain blood pressure medications.
• Blood thinners include warfarin.
• Any products containing niacin or nicotinamide.

Niacin comes in several dosage forms and strengths.

Only prescription-strength niacin ER is FDA-approved for treating high cholesterol. Also, the immediate-release and extended-release versions of niacin are not interchangeable.

Niacin immediate-release tablets: The typical starting dose is 250 mg tablet taken orally once a day with dinner. Your provider may increase your dose every few days or weeks until you reach your desired cholesterol levels. The average maintenance dose ranges from 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg, taken two to three times a day. Do not take more than 6,000 mg of niacin immediate-release per day.

Niacin extended-release tablets: The typical starting dose is 500 mg orally at bedtime, following a low-fat snack. After four weeks, your provider will increase your dose based on how you tolerated and responded to the drug. The normal maintenance dose is 1,000 to 2,000 mg taken at bedtime. The highest suggested daily intake is 2,000 mg.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store your Niacor at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Niacor is manufactured by Avondale Pharmaceuticals.

There are lower-cost generics available for Niacor.

Don't stop taking Niacin without first consulting your doctor. When you stop taking this medication, your cholesterol levels may rise again. Your doctor may advise you to adopt a certain diet to help avoid this from occurring.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.