Understanding cholesterol

Cholesterol is a kind of fat in your blood that is naturally formed in your body. It is normal, and essential to certain cell functions. But the wrong amounts of cholesterol can be very bad for your heart and arteries.

Even if your doctor says you have a serious cholesterol problem, you may feel perfectly healthy. Cholesterol itself isn't painful; in fact, you probably can't feel it at all. But the consequences can be serious.

Cholesterol and plaque

Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood, or mg/dL. So a total cholesterol level of "190" is 190 mg/dL. There are different types of cholesterol. Each type affects your health differently.

If a cholesterol problem goes untreated, cholesterol and other substances can build up in the wall of the body's arteries. As these deposits (called "plaque") build up, the arteries become blocked.

NIASPAN® (niacin extended-release tablets) is a prescription medication used along with diet when a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and other non-drug measures alone have not been successful.

NIASPAN is used along with diet and exercise to improve cholesterol levels. NIASPAN raises HDL ("good") cholesterol and lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides.

Safety Considerations

NIASPAN is not for everyone, including those with liver problems, stomach ulcers, or serious bleeding problems; and those allergic to any product ingredient.

Please click here for additional Important Safety Information you should know about NIASPAN and discuss it with your doctor.

Types of cholesterol

HDL cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol. It helps carry excess cholesterol from the arteries back to the liver where it is passed from the body and lowers your health risk. When it comes to HDL, having a higher number is better for your health.

LDL cholesterol is known as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up on the walls of your arteries. The fatty deposits of LDL cholesterol attach to the walls of blood vessels, narrowing them over time. This clogs up blood flow, which can lead to heart attack and other problems. If your LDL cholesterol is high, your doctor will try to lower it.

Triglycerides are a third kind of fat in the blood. Too high a level of triglycerides is often associated with high total cholesterol, high "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and low "good" cholesterol (HDL). Many people with heart disease or diabetes have increased triglycerides.

Your doctor measures all three cholesterol levels to calculate your total cholesterol score. If your total cholesterol is too high, your doctor will work with you to get it to target levels. Typically, this may include:

  • Eating more healthy, fresh foods
  • Getting more exercise
  • Taking medication to improve your cholesterol levels
  • Getting regular cholesterol check ups to monitor progress

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


USES

NIASPAN® (niacin extended-release tablets) is a prescription medication used along with diet when a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and other non-drug measures alone have not been successful.
  • NIASPAN is used to improve cholesterol levels. NIASPAN raises HDL (“good”) cholesterol and lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides.
  • Niacin is also used to reduce the risk of recurrent heart attacks in people with high cholesterol.
  • NIASPAN can be used in combination with lovastatin or simvastatin to improve cholesterol levels when taking NIASPAN, simvastatin, or lovastatin alone is not enough.
  • In patients with coronary artery disease and high cholesterol, niacin, in combination with a bile acid binding resin (colestipol, cholestyramine), another cholesterol medication, has been shown to slow down or reduce atherosclerosis, the hardening of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup.
  • No additional benefit of NIASPAN on heart disease has been demonstrated when used with simvastatin or lovastatin over and above that shown for niacin, simvastatin, or lovastatin when used alone.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

  • NIASPAN is not for everyone, including those with liver problems, stomach ulcers, or serious bleeding problems; and those allergic to any product ingredient.
  • NIASPAN is a long-acting form of niacin. Severe liver damage can occur when switching to NIASPAN from immediate-release niacin. All forms of niacin are not the same as NIASPAN, so do not switch between forms of niacin without first talking to your health care professional.
  • Tell your health care professional about any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, as this could be a sign of a serious side effect. This risk may be increased when NIASPAN is taken with lovastatin or simvastatin, particularly in elderly patients and patients with diabetes, kidney problems, or thyroid problems.
  • NIASPAN should be used with caution if you consume large amounts of alcohol. NIASPAN is associated with increases in liver enzymes measured by blood tests. Your health care professional may do blood tests before and during treatment with NIASPAN to check for liver problems.
  • NIASPAN may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes or higher than normal blood sugar levels, you should carefully check your blood sugar levels, especially during the first few months of NIASPAN and during any change in your dose. Report any changes in your blood sugar levels to your health care professional.
  • NIASPAN should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Tell your health care professional if you have a history of gout or kidney problems.
  • The most common side effects include flushing, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, increased cough, and itching.
  • Flushing (warmth, redness, itching, and/or tingling of the skin) is a common side effect of niacin therapy that may subside after several weeks of consistent NIASPAN use. Additional symptoms may include rapid or pronounced heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, chills, dizziness, fainting, and/or swelling. Flushing may vary in severity and is more likely to occur with initiation of therapy, or during dose increases. By dosing at bedtime, flushing will most likely occur during sleep. However, if awakened by flushing at night, you should get up slowly, especially if feeling dizzy, feeling faint, or taking blood pressure medications.
  • If you are taking another cholesterol medication called a bile acid binding resin (colestipol, cholestyramine) along with NIASPAN, take these medicines at least 4 to 6 hours apart.
  • Some medicines should not be taken with NIASPAN. Tell your health care professional about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements, or other nutritional supplements containing niacin or nicotinamide. It is especially important to tell your health care professional if you take aspirin, any cholesterol medication, blood pressure medication, or anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners.
This is the most important information to know about NIASPAN. For more information, talk with your health care professional. Please see the full Prescribing Information and discuss it with your health care professional.

Reference: NIASPAN [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: Abbott Laboratories


You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you cannot afford your medication, contact: www.pparx.org or call the toll-free phone number 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) for assistance.