Niacor

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

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

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

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

Niacor 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 shortly after taking this medicine.

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

Your dose may 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 Niacor for any length of time, 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 who treats you that you are using Niacor.

Niacor is only 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 recommend you take aspirin or an NSAID (such as ibuprofen, Advil, or Aleve) to help prevent flushing. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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

You should not take Niacor 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 Niacor will harm an unborn baby. You may not be able to use Niacor 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; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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

• symptoms of a heart attack--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, like you might pass out;
• irregular heartbeats;
• severe warmth or redness under your skin;
• vision problems; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Niacor 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 occur. Call 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 possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

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 make the flushing effects of niacin worse.

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 Niacor will not be as effective.

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

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

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