NIASPAN common side effects

As with any prescription medication, there can be side effects with NIASPAN® (niacin extended-release tablets). The most common side effect is flushing—a sensation of warmth, redness, itching, and/or tingling of the skin, usually on the face, neck and chest and/or back.1

Flushing can happen because of the body's response to the niacin, the active ingredient in NIASPAN. Studies show that in patients taking NIASPAN, the amount of flushing may decrease and become less severe over time.

It may be possible to manage the flushing you experience by taking aspirin or an NSAID approximately 30 minutes prior to taking your NIASPAN with your doctor's approval. In one study, nearly one third of patients took aspirin before taking NIASPAN to help reduce flushing.2 There are other things you can do to manage flushing. Here are a few simple tips.

Additional symptoms may include rapid or pronounced heartbeat, swelling, sweating, chills, dizziness, and in rare cases, fainting.

Other common side effects may include headache, pain, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, itching, and rash.

Who should not take NIASPAN?

People with liver problems, active stomach ulcers, or a serious bleeding problem, or allergies to its ingredients should not take NIASPAN.

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References

  1. NIASPAN® prescribing information. North Chicago, IL; Abbott Laboratories.
  2. Capuzzi DM, Guyton JR, Morgan JM, et al. Efficacy and safety of an extended-release niacin (NIASPAN): a long-term study. Am J Cardiol. 1998;82:74U-81U.
  3. IMS NGPS, October 1997-September 14, 2007.