Healthwise

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Niacin Extended Release Oral Tablet (NIACIN EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL)

To lower high fat levels in blood.

Brand Name(s): Niaspan

Generic Name: Niacin

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

Take the medicine with a low-fat meal or snack.

Taking a plain (non-coated) aspirin 30 minutes before this medicine may help reduce flushing. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if this is right for you.

Taking this medicine with food may help to reduce flushing.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all your medicines. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines.

If you stopped taking this medicine, do not start taking it again until you speak with your doctor.

This medicine may cause higher blood sugar levels or diabetes. Please follow your doctor's instructions and check your blood sugar level regularly while on this medicine.

Parts of this medicine may come out in the stool. This is normal.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Contact your doctor if you notice a change in the amount or darkening of your urine.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Some medicines used to treat high cholesterol (cholestyramine, colestipol) can reduce the absorption of this medicine. Space doses at least 4-6 hours apart.

Do not start or stop any other medicines without first speaking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • chills
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • feeling of heat or flushing
  • headaches
  • itching
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain
  • sweating

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • bleeding or bruising
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • fainting
  • severe or persistent headache
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • muscle weakness
  • joint or muscle pain
  • dark, tarry stool
  • blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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