Information You Should Know About NIASPAN® (niacin extended-release tablets)

NIASPAN is a prescription medication, used along with diet and exercise, to improve cholesterol levels. NIASPAN raises HDL (“good”) cholesterol and lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides. Niacin is also used to prevent recurrent heart attacks in patients with high cholesterol. NIASPAN has not been shown to prevent the development of heart disease.

Important Safety Information You Should Know About NIASPAN (niacin extended-release tablets)

NIASPAN is not for everyone, including those allergic to its ingredients. Consult your physician if you have a liver problem, stomach ulcers, or a serious bleeding problem.

If you take NIASPAN in combination with a statin, tell your doctor about any unusual muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, as this could be a sign of a serious but rare side effect. Also tell your doctor about any other medications and vitamin supplements you are taking to avoid possible drug interactions. NIASPAN should be used with caution if you consume large amounts of alcohol. Your doctor will do simple blood tests before and during treatment with NIASPAN to check for liver problems.

NIASPAN is the only prescription extended-release form of niacin. Liver damage has been reported when substituting NIASPAN with immediate-release niacin. Always check with your doctor before changing your medication.

NIASPAN may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you should carefully check your blood sugar levels and report any changes to your doctor.

Flushing (warmth, redness, itching, and/or tingling of the skin) is the most common side effect. This sensation usually occurs when you start taking NIASPAN or when your NIASPAN dose is increased, and may become less frequent over time. In most patients, flushing is mild to moderate. Some people may experience more severe and intense flushing. Additional symptoms may include rapid or pronounced heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling, sweating, chills, dizziness, and in rare cases, fainting. If flushing wakes you up, take your time getting up. Other common side effects may include headache, pain, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, itching, and rash. These are usually mild and tend to go away.