Niacin SR

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

Niaspan is used to lower the risk of a heart attack in people with high cholesterol and a history of heart attacks. Niaspan can also be taken with another cholesterol medicine to slow the build-up of fatty deposits in your arteries.

Niacin SR may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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

Niacin SR 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 more severe if you drink alcohol or hot beverages shortly after taking Niacin SR.

Swallow the capsule or tablet whole; 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 Niacin SR for any period of time, talk to your doctor before starting it 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 Niacin SR.

Niacin SR is just one part of a complete treatment program 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 Niacin SR if you have severe liver disease, a stomach ulcer, or active bleeding.

You should not take Niacin SR 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 Niacin SR will harm an unborn baby. You may not be able to use Niacin SR 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 notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Niacin SR can cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• 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;
• feeling light-headed, as if 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 Niacin SR may include:

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingling sensation);
• 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. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is close to the 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.

Do not drink alcohol. It may raise your risk of liver damage and can also make the flushing effects of Niacin SR worse.

Do not get up too quickly from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Do not eat foods high in fat or cholesterol, or Niacin SR will not work as well.

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

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 Niacin SR, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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