Understanding plaque buildup

If you have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) and high cholesterol, you probably already know that over time cholesterol and other substances can build up in the wall of the heart's arteries. As these deposits (called "plaque") build up, it may narrow the arteries, which can reduce blood flow. High cholesterol is one risk factor that leads to plaque buildup. Plaque buildup and high cholesterol may also be a concern if you have other risk factors for heart disease, like high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, or smoking.

Treating plaque buildup

Plaque buildup is a complex process. Cholesterol management is one of the key components to fighting plaque. You may already be working with your doctor to develop a program to lower your cholesterol levels. Such a program should include lifestyle changes (including diet and exercise). Your doctor may also have discussed prescribing medication for you.

NIASPAN may help you fight plaque

In one study, nearly 39% of patients taking niacin, the active ingredient in NIASPAN, along with a cholesterol-lowering drug called colestipol, showed some reduction of plaque in the heart's arteries after 2.5 years.¹

Another study showed that about 16% of patients who took niacin plus colestipol experienced some disease reduction after two years. In the same study, fewer patients who took niacin plus colestipol experienced disease progression after two years, compared with patients who took a placebo (sugar pill).²

In people with coronary artery disease and abnormal cholesterol levels, NIASPAN, along with diet and a bile acid binding resin (another cholesterol medicine) is FDA-approved not only to slow down plaque buildup, but also help reduce plaque that's already there.

NIASPAN, along with a bile acid binding resin, has not been shown to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or stroke.

Safety Information

NIASPAN should not be taken by people with stomach ulcers, liver or serious bleeding problems. Contact a health care provider if serious side effects such as unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness develop.

Please click here for additional Important Safety Information and Uses for NIASPAN and discuss it with your doctor.

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• NIASPAN is not for people with liver problems, stomach ulcers, serious bleeding problems, or those allergic to any product ingredient.
• Severe liver damage can occur when switching to a long-acting niacin (NIASPAN) from immediate-release niacin. All forms of niacin are not the same as NIASPAN. Do not switch between forms of niacin without talking to your health care provider.
• Tell your health care provider 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 the elderly, diabetics and those with kidney or thyroid problems.
• NIASPAN is associated with increases in liver enzymes. Your health care provider should do blood tests before and during treatment with NIASPAN to check liver enzyme levels. NIASPAN should be used with caution if you consume large amounts of alcohol.
• Tell your health care provider if you have kidney problems, or a history of gout. NIASPAN may cause an increase in uric acid levels.
• NIASPAN may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels more frequently during the first few months or with NIASPAN dose changes.
• 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. 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 (e.g., colestipol) 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 provider about all the medicines you take, including aspirin, any cholesterol medication, blood pressure medication, or anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, or any products containing niacin or nicotinamide.

USES

NIASPAN^® (niacin extended-release tablets) is a prescription medication used along with diet when a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and other non-drug measures alone have been unsuccessful.

• NIASPAN raises HDL ("good") cholesterol and lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides in people with abnormal cholesterol levels.
• NIASPAN is also used to reduce the risk of recurrent heart attacks in people with abnormal cholesterol levels.
• NIASPAN can be used in combination with lovastatin or simvastatin to improve abnormal cholesterol levels when taking NIASPAN, simvastatin, or lovastatin alone is not enough.
• In people with coronary artery disease and abnormal cholesterol levels, NIASPAN, in combination with a bile acid binding resin (e.g., colestipol), is used 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 that shown for niacin, simvastatin, or lovastatin alone.

For more information, talk with your health care provider.

Please see full Prescribing Information for NIASPAN and discuss it with your health care provider.

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.