Niaspan

 Trade Name: Niaspan

Generic: Niacin ER

Purpose  To lower total cholesterol, LDL, Lp(a), and triglycerides, and raise HDL       

Dosage and Administration

Niaspan 500mg to 2000mg daily at bedtime.  In order to reduce "flushing" (i.e. warmth, redness, itching and/or tingline), we recommend that you take an aspirin 30minutes before taking Niaspan, enjoy a lot fat snack with a cold non-alcoholic beverage, and then take Niaspan at bedtime.  Do not take Niaspan on an empty stomach.  Flushing may occur temporarily when you first start taking this medicine or when you first increase the dose.  A gradual increase in the dose helps decrease flushing.

Week 1-4 Niaspan 500 mg.                    1 tablet at bedtime

Week 5-8 Niaspan 500 mg.                    2 tablets at bedtime

Week 9 and following:

Personalized Dosing__________________________

Niaspan tablets should be taken whole, not broken, crushed, or chewed.  The daily dosage of Niaspan should not be increased by more than 500 mg in any 4-week period. You should only take the dose prescribed for you. Do not substitute any other Niacin products or change dosage of this medication without consulting the Lipid Clinic.

Please notify us if you have any probelms with Niaspan or if you are taking Vitamins/supplements containing more than 100mg of Niacin. 

The doctor wants your labs repeated after you have been taking 1000mg of Niaspan for 4 weeks. 

It is important to have your blood tests done promptly when ordered so that your liver enzymes, as well as your cholesterol levels can be monitored.

You should not take Niaspan if

You have liver disease, active peptic ulcer, arterial bleeding, or a hypersensitvity to niacin.

You should be cautious about taking Niaspan with Lopid (Gemfibrozil), Tricor, or high dose statins; however, combinations of these medications may be ordered by the Lipid MD with careful monitoring.

PRECAUTION

 Women capable of childbearing must have a pregnancy test (serum HCG) before starting this medication. This is a category C drug and not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.

 Ver 12.