HDL Benefit

HDL Benefit is used to reduce blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides, while raising levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).

Niaspan is used to reduce the risk of a heart attack in individuals with high cholesterol who have a history of heart attacks. Niaspan can also be taken with another cholesterol medication to slow the build-up of fatty deposits in your arteries.

HDL Benefit may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

HDL Benefit can cause flushing (warmth, itching, redness, or a tingling feeling under your skin). These effects should go away over time as you continue taking the medicine. Flushing may be worse if you drink alcohol or hot beverages soon after taking this medicine.

Swallow the capsule or tablet whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Your dose may need to change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.

If you stop taking HDL Benefit for any period, talk with your doctor before starting the medication again. You may need to restart the medication at a lower dose.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Inform any doctor treating you that you are using HDL Benefit.

HDL Benefit is only part of a complete treatment plan that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Your doctor may suggest you take aspirin or an NSAID (such as ibuprofen, Advil, or Aleve) to help prevent flushing. Continue using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not take HDL Benefit if you have severe liver disease, a stomach ulcer, or active bleeding.

You should not take HDL Benefit if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe liver disease;
• a stomach ulcer; or
• active bleeding.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;
• kidney problems;
• heart disease, chest pain (angina);
• gout; or
• diabetes.

It is not known whether HDL Benefit will harm an unborn baby. You may not be able to use HDL Benefit during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

HDL Benefit may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might faint;
• irregular heartbeats;
• severe warmth or redness under your skin;
• vision problems; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of HDL Benefit may include:

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingling feeling);
• upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• abnormal liver function tests;
• itching, rash, dry skin;
• cough;
• skin discoloration; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage, and can also worsen the flushing effects of niacin.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or HDL Benefit will not be as effective.

You should not take colesevelam, colestipol, or cholestyramine within 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking HDL Benefit.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• other medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides;
• aspirin;
• blood pressure medicine; or
• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect HDL Benefit, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

• How long does niacin stay in the human system?