What is Niaspan?
Niaspan, generic name niacin ER, is a prescription drug that is prescribed for the treatment of high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. Reducing the levels of these fatty like substances may be helpful in the prevention of conditions that include chest pain (angina), heart disease, heart attack or stroke. This medicine should be taken in conjunction with exercise and diet.
Who is the maker?
Abbott Laboratories is the maker of Niaspan.
How it works
Niaspan is the long acting form of niacin. Niacin is a B vitamin. It is thought to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels by increasing how active the enzyme called lipoprotein lipase is in breaking down particles that are rich in triglyceride. It is also thought to remove these particles from your body more easily. This medication may also help to decrease how much of this type of particle the liver makes and releases into the body. Depending on your individual cholesterol problem, this medication can also help to increase your good cholesterol levels and lower the bad cholesterol levels as well as the total levels of your cholesterol.
Niaspan Effects
Since this medication has the potential to both lower the bad cholesterol levels as well as the triglyceride levels, while working to raise the good cholesterol levels, a person has the potential to reduce the risk of developing certain health issues that can result by choosing to take it.
Possible Side Effects
All prescription drugs carry the risk for side effects. There is the chance of side effects while being treated with Niaspan. Not everyone that takes this drug will experience side effects though, because it is usually tolerated well. If you experience side effects they most often are minor and will need little or no treatment. Most people find that they don't have to stop taking this medication because of its side effects.
Most often the reported side effects might include: headache, vomiting and nausea and flushing of the neck and face, as well as runny nose, itching and rash, stomach pain, diarrhea and heartburn.
Other possible side effects might include: sleeplessness, pain in the muscles and serious muscle breakdown.