Flushing
About "Flushing"
If your doctor prescribed NIASPAN® (niacin extended-release tablets), he or she probably mentioned that the most common side effect you may have is a feeling of warmth, tingling, itching or redness of the skin called "flushing." Flushing is caused by a sudden expansion of the small blood vessels at the surface of the skin that doctors call "vasodilation."
Flushing can happen because of the body's response to niacin, the active ingredient of NIASPAN. Studies show that in patients taking NIASPAN, the amount of flushing may decrease and become less severe over time.1
It may be possible to lessen the amount of flushing you experience by taking aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen 30 minutes prior to taking NIASPAN. There are other things you can do to manage flushing. Here are a few simple tips.
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 should wake you and you want to get out of bed, be sure to take your time. Stand up slowly in case of dizziness or fainting.
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References
- NIASPAN® prescribing information. North Chicago, IL; Abbott Laboratories.
