Safely Buy Niaspan ( Niacin Extended Release ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

NIASPAN is a prescription medication that contains extended-release niacin (nicotinic acid) and is used to treat high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

Its primary function is to lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL-C), Apo B, and triglycerides and increase “good” cholesterol (HDL-C). Are there any specific questions you have related to NIASPAN?

Use and Dosage

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking niacin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with a low-fat meal or snack as directed by your doctor, usually at bedtime. Taking niacin on an empty stomach increases side effects (such as flushing, upset stomach). Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so can release the entire drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

Niacin is available in different formulations (such as immediate and sustained release). Do not switch between strengths, brands, or forms of niacin. Severe liver problems may occur.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Your dose will need to be increased slowly, even if you are already taking niacin and are being switched from another niacin product (such as immediate-release tablets) to this product. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take niacin at least 4-6 hours before or after taking these medications. These products can react with niacin, preventing its full absorption. Continue to take other medications to lower your cholesterol as directed by your doctor.

To lessen the chance of side effects such as flushing, avoid alcohol, hot beverages, and eating spicy foods near the time you take niacin. Taking a plain (non-enteric coated, 325 milligram) aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as ibuprofen, 200 milligrams) 30 minutes before taking niacin may help prevent flushing. Ask your doctor if this treatment is right for you.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel sick.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. If you stop taking niacin, you may need to return to your original dose and gradually increase it again. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for instructions on restarting your dose if you have not taken your medication for an extended period (more than 7 days).

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Niaspan ER: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Serious side effects include:

• Feeling like you might pass out
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats
• Feeling short of breath
• Swelling
• Jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark-colored urine

If you are diabetic, tell your doctor about any changes in your blood sugar levels.

Less serious Niaspan ER side effects include:

• Mild dizziness
• Warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin
• Itching or dry skin
• Sweating or chills
• Nausea, diarrhea, belching, or gas
• Muscle pain or leg cramps
• Sleep problems (insomnia)

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

Before taking niacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: very low blood pressure, alcohol use, bleeding problems (such as low platelets), diabetes, gallbladder disease, glaucoma, gout, heart disease (such as recent heart attack, unstable angina), kidney disease, liver disease/increase in liver enzymes, untreated mineral imbalance (low phosphate levels), stomach/intestinal ulcers, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzier. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication may rarely make your blood sugar rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strengths

Niaspan is available in the following form and strengths:

• Niacin Extended-Release ER Tablet:
  • 375 mg

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Be sure to take the missed dose with food if you normally take your Niaspan ER dose with a meal or snack.

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, itching, vomiting, upset stomach, and flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

What should I avoid?

Avoid drinking hot beverages shortly after taking Niaspan ER. Hot drinks can worsen the flushing effect (warmth, itching, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin).

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Niaspan ER. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage and can also worsen the flushing effects of this medicine.

Avoid taking colestipol (Colestid) or cholestyramine (Locholest, Prevalite, Questran) at the same time you take Niaspan ER. If you take either of these other medications, take them at least 4 to 6 hours before or after you take Niaspan ER.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Resources:

1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/020381s034lbl.pdf
2. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4467/niaspan-oral/details
3. https://www.drugs.com/niaspan.html#side-effects