Niaspan ER

Niaspan ER General Information

Niaspan ER is a prescription strength, extended release form of nicotinic acid, otherwise known as niacin or vitamin B3. It is produced by Kos Pharmaceuticals.

How does Niaspan ER work & What does it do?

In large doses, niacin lowers cholesterol. Niaspan extended release (ER) tablets are designed specifically to do this. High cholesterol has negative effects on the body, such as clogged arteries and increased risk of heart attack. Niaspan ER, along with a low fat, low cholesterol diet, can be taken to reduce the cholesterol levels in your blood, slow or stop the clogging arteries, and decrease your chance of multiple heart attacks. It is usually used only when a change of diet alone fails to work. Niaspan ER is often prescribed in combination with other cholesterol lowering drugs.

Also in larger doses, Niaspan ER can be used when triglycerides, a type of blood fat, are at very high levels. High triglycerides can cause painful inflammation of the pancreas. Nispan ER is not used as a supplement to treat niacin deficiencies.

When/How is Niaspan ER taken/used/applied?

Niaspan ER should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Over the counter nicotinic acid supplements are available but may differ from the prescription preparations. Therefore, you should not switch the type of product you are taking without consulting a doctor. You should also follow any diet and exercise recommendations of your doctor because these are important factors in managing cholesterol.

Take each dose with a full glass of water, at bedtime with a low fat snack. Do not take Niaspin ER with hot beverages or alcohol. Swallow the capsules whole. Crushing, chewing, or breaking the extended-release tablets will not deliver the medication properly.

If for any reason you stop taking Niaspan ER for an extended length of time, you need to talk to your doctor before beginning therapy again.

Side Effects of Niaspan ER

When first being therapy with Niaspan ER, you may feel warmth or flushing of your neck, ears, and face. You may also experience itching, tingling, and headache. These side effects will usually lessens with time. If they are bothersome, you can take an aspirin or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) 30 minutes before taking a dose Niaspan ER. Nausea, upset stomach, bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting are also common.

Some side-effects may indicate a more serious problem. If you experience an allergic reaction, chest pain, an irregular heart beat, yellowing of skin or eyes, flu-like symptoms, unexplained muscle pains, dizziness, faintness, or blurry vision, you should stop taking Niaspan ER immediately and contact your doctor or go to the emergency room.

Other Brand Names for Niaspan ER:

• Nicotinic Acid (Niacin) (Generic)
• B-3-500
• B3-500-Gr
• Niacin SR
• Niacor
• Niaspan ER
• Niaspan ER Starter Pack
• Nico-400
• Nicobid Tempules
• Nicolar
• Slo-Niacin

Safety Inforamtion:

If you have diabetes, your doctor should monitor any changes in glucose levels.

Certain cholesterol lowering drugs may interfere with Niaspan ER, possibly increasing the risk of muscle damage. Other medications need to be taken spaced apart from Niaspan ER. You should discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol can affect your liver and affect treatment with Niaspan ER negatively. Let your doctor know how much you drink.

Pregnant women should not taken Niaspan ER without talking to their doctor first because it is not known whether large doses of nicotinic acid will harm an unborn baby. Niaspan ER passes into breast milk, so breast feeding mothers should not take this medication without also talking to their doctor..

Dosage:

• Tablet 500mg
• Tablet 750mg
• Tablet 1000mg

Visual Description:

All three Niaspan ER doses come in the form of white, oblong tablets. On one side is imprinted KO5, and on the other is the dosage, either 500, 750, or 1000.