Niaspan (Niacin Extended Release)

Do's

• Take Niaspan exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually with a low-fat meal or snack at bedtime.
• Swallow the tablets whole. Don't crush or chew them to avoid a burst of side effects.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on dosage, even if switching from another niacin product.
• Take Niaspan at least 4-6 hours before or after bile acid-binding resins to avoid reduced absorption.
• Use Niaspan consistently to manage cholesterol levels.
• Consider taking aspirin or ibuprofen 30 minutes before Niaspan to lessen flushing (consult your healthcare provider first).

Don't

• Don't take Niaspan on an empty stomach, as it increases side effects.
• Don't switch between different niacin strengths or brands without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't stop taking Niaspan without talking to your healthcare provider, as restarting might require gradual dose increase again.
• Don't consume alcohol, hot beverages, or spicy foods around the time you take Niaspan, as they worsen flushing.

Common side effects:

• Flushing
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Cough
• Hiccups
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Mouth and throat irritation

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Severe liver problems, indicated by increased tiredness, dark colored urine, loss of appetite, light colored stools, nausea, right upper stomach (abdomen) pain, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, and itchy skin
• High blood sugar level (glucose)
• Allergic reaction symptoms: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Pounding in the ears
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Severe headache (migraine)
• Unusual joint pain
• Swelling of legs/arms
• Vision problems
• Severe stomach/abdominal pain
• Black stools
• Easy bruising/bleeding
• Signs of kidney problems, such as change in the amount of urine
• Dark urine
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Yellowing of the eyes/skin

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Niaspan,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies before taking Niaspan.

Tell your healthcare provider about any pre-existing conditions, especially very low blood pressure, alcohol use, bleeding problems, diabetes, gallbladder disease, glaucoma, gout, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid problems, stomach ulcers, or mineral imbalance.

Niaspan may cause dizziness. Avoid driving or activities requiring alertness until you know how it affects you. Limit alcohol and marijuana use which can worsen dizziness.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Niaspan, before surgery.

Niaspan may raise blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar regularly and tell your healthcare provider about any changes. Your diabetes treatment plan may need to be adjusted.

Niaspan should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Niaspan passes into breast milk, so consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take before starting Niaspan. Niaspan can interact with other medications and some vitamins/dietary supplements that also contain niacin or nicotinamide.

Niaspan may interfere with certain lab tests. Inform your healthcare provider and lab personnel that you are taking Niaspan.