Niaspan

The active ingredient in Niaspan is niacin ER. Niacin improves lipid levels through several actions. It lowers the production of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver, reduces the release of fatty acids, and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which helps lower cholesterol from the bloodstream. Due to these effects, niacin therapy may be used as part of a treatment plan to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, heart attack, and atherosclerosis in certain patients.

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 Niaspan. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Niaspan:

• The usual adult starting dose is 500 mg once daily for 4 weeks. Your healthcare professional will typically then raise your dose depending on how you’ve tolerated and responded to the medication. Swallow tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew them. Start with a low dose and increase slowly as directed by your healthcare provider. This helps reduce flushing and other side effects.
• Niaspan tablets are taken at bedtime after a low-fat snack.
• Avoid taking hot drinks, spicy foods, or alcohol near your dose because they may increase flushing.
• If you stop taking Niaspan for several days, talk to your healthcare provider before restarting. You may need to begin again at a lower dose.
• Use Niaspan along with a heart-healthy diet and exercise program.
• Keep all lab appointments. Your healthcare provider may check your liver function, blood sugar levels, blood cholesterol values, and uric acid at baseline and regularly during treatment.

Some mild or common side effects of Niaspan seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Flushing or warmth of the face and upper body.
• Itching (pruritus).
• Upset stomach or diarrhea.
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Runny nose.
• Increased blood sugar levels.
• A mild increase in uric acid which may worsen gout in some people.

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

• Signs of liver problems, including jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue, or loss of appetite.
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, which may indicate myopathy or, rarely, rhabdomyolysis (risk increases if taken with statins such as lovastatin).
• Severe abdominal pain or symptoms suggesting a peptic ulcer.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat.
• Strong dizziness or very low blood pressure.
• Sudden severe gout attack.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Niaspan. 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 Niaspan, 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 if you have:

• A history of liver disease or hepatic problems.
• Stomach ulcers or peptic ulcer disease.
• Gout or high uric acid.
• Diabetes or problems with glucose control.
• Kidney disease or kidney problems.
• Heart disease or angina.
• Unexplained muscle pain.
• A history of alcohol misuse.

• Active liver disease.
• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to niacin or any ingredients in the product.
• Active peptic ulcer.
• Significant bleeding problems.

Some improvement in cholesterol levels may be seen within 3 to 4 weeks, but full effects may require longer. Your healthcare provider will check your lipid levels regularly to determine how well the medicine is working and whether your dose needs to be adjusted.

When Niaspan 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:

• Statins such as lovastatin may increase the risk of muscle pain or rhabdomyolysis.
• Bile acid sequestrants like cholestyramine or colestipol may reduce the absorption of Niaspan if taken too close together.
• Blood pressure medications may increase the risk of hypotension when combined with niacin.
• Diabetes medications, as Niaspan, may raise blood sugar levels.
• Gout medicines, since niacin may increase uric acid.
• Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.
• Alcohol, which increases flushing and liver stress.
• Vitamin supplements that contain niacin in other forms.

Niaspan extended-release tablets are available in the following strengths: 500 mg and 1000 mg. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate starting dose and gradually increase it to achieve your target cholesterol goals. The maximum recommended daily dose of Niaspan is typically 2000 mg/day.

Store Niaspan at room temperature, out of reach of children and pets.

Niaspan is manufactured by AbbVie (formerly Abbott Laboratories).

Niaspan is available as a generic equivalent. The generic name is niacin extended-release tablets.

Do not stop taking Niaspan without first speaking to your healthcare provider, especially if you are using it to manage high cholesterol. Stopping suddenly may cause your cholesterol levels to rise again. If you stop the medication for several days, your provider may need to restart you at a lower dose to reduce flushing and other side effects.

Niacin should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. It is not known if Niaspan can be safely used in pregnancy due to a lack of studies. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant.

Niacin passes into breast milk, and the effects on a nursing infant are not fully known. Your healthcare provider will help weigh the risks and benefits and may recommend a different treatment if needed.