Is NIASPAN extended-release?

Niaspan ER extended release works by reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides and increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Niaspan contains niacin, also called nicotinic acid, a B vitamin (vitamin B3). It occurs naturally in plants and animals and is present in many multiple vitamin supplements.

Why is NIASPAN discontinued?

One patient discontinued Niaspan because of transaminase elevations. Intolerance to flushing, leading to discontinuation of Niaspan, occurred in 4.8% of patients. The overall rate of discontinuance due to flushing in this study combined with 2 previous randomized trials was 7.3%.

Is NIASPAN the same as niacin ER?

The popular extended-release cholesterol medication, Niaspan is now available as generic niacin ER. What is niacin ER? Niaspan (Niacin ER) is used to treat high cholesterol, along with diet and exercise. Niacin decreases triglyceride levels, lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).

What is niacin ER used for?

Niacin is used with a proper diet and exercise program to help lower “bad” cholesterol and fats (LDL, triglycerides) and raise “good” cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It is generally used after non-drug treatments have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol.

Is slow release niacin damaging to the liver?

Niacin can cause mild-to-moderate serum aminotransferase elevations and high doses and certain formulations of niacin have been linked to clinically apparent, acute liver injury which can be severe as well as fatal.

Does time release niacin lower cholesterol?

Nicotinic acid or niacin, one of the water-soluble B vitamins, improves all lipoproteins when given in doses well above the vitamin requirement. Nicotinic acid lowers the total cholesterol, “bad” LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, while raising the “good” HDL-cholesterol level.

Why do doctors prescribe niacin?

Prescription niacin is used to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — the “good” cholesterol that helps remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol, from your bloodstream.

Who makes Niaspan?

References: 1. NIASPAN [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc.

What’s the best time to take niacin?

Niacin comes as a tablet and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. The regular tablet usually is taken two to three times a day with meals, and the extended-release tablet is taken once a day, at bedtime, after a low-fat snack.

Does niacin unclog arteries?

Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is the best agent known to raise blood levels of HDL, which helps remove cholesterol deposits from the artery walls.

Is niacin bad for liver?

If you have liver disease, peptic ulcer disease or severe low blood pressure (hypotension), don’t take large amounts of niacin. The supplement has been linked with liver damage, can cause hypotension and might activate a peptic ulcer.

Are there any side effects to taking Niaspan?

The most common side effects with NIASPAN are flushing, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, increased cough, and itching. Flushing (warmth, redness, itching, and/or tingling of the skin) is a common side effect of NIASPAN therapy.

What do you need to know about Niaspan ER?

Niaspan ER is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

How much money does Niaspan make a year?

Niaspan is a popular drug that is known to raise the HDL cholesterol and decrease triglycerides. Sales of the drug last year were close to $1 billion. Unfortunately we do not know whether the drug reduces the risk of heart disease or stroke – or improves survival.

Is it OK to open an extended release Niaspan tablet?

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release Niaspan ER tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the tablet may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Extended-release tablets contain higher strengths of niacin than the regular tablets.

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