Niaspan

Pellagra, Hardening of the Arteries, dietary supplementation + 14 more

Treatment

8 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Niaspan

Treatment for

Pellagra

What is Niaspan

Niacin

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Niacin is a B vitamin used to replenish vitamin deficiencies and reduce the levels of fats in the bloodstream. It can also help reduce the risk of heart attacks.

O-Cal FA multivitamin

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Niaspan Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

O-Cal FA multivitamin

Niacin

1970

106

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Niacin, also known as O-Cal FA multivitamin, is approved by the FDA for 8 uses which include High Cardiovascular Risk and Hyperlipidemia .

High Cardiovascular Risk

Used in combination with other therapies

Hyperlipidemia

Used in combination with Sevelamer to help manage Hyperlipidemias

Hardening of the Arteries

Used in combination with Sevelamer to help manage Atherosclerosis

High Cholesterol

Used in combination with Sevelamer to help manage Hyperlipidemias

Coronary Artery Disease

Used in combination with Sevelamer to help manage history of coronary artery disease

dietary supplementation

Used in combination with Niacin for dietary supplementation

Primary Hypercholesterolemia

Used in combination with other therapies

Dietary Modifications

Used in combination with other therapies

Effectiveness

How Niaspan Affects Patients

Niacin is a B vitamin used to treat vitamin deficiencies and certain types of high cholesterol. It helps to lower the bad types of cholesterol (very low density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins) and increase the good type (high density lipoproteins). Usually 500-2000mg is taken orally each day, but some people (those with diabetes, kidney problems, hypothyroidism, or elderly people taking niacin with simvastatin or lovastatin) are at risk of muscle problems like myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

How Niaspan works in the body

Niacin helps reduce your levels of lipids and proteins that contain lipids, like apolipoprotein B (apo B). It does this by restricting the production of triglycerides in the liver, which also reduces apo B levels. Niacin also stops the breakdown of a type of protein called high density lipoprotein (HDL), which leads to higher levels and longer life of HDL.

When to interrupt dosage

The prescribed amount of Niaspan is reliant upon the diagnosed condition, for example inadequate response to diet, Dietary Modifications and Pellagra. The degree of dosage changes depending on the method of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet - Oral) detailed in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Coronary Artery Disease

, 500.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 12.2 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 0.02 mg/mL, 3.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 6.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 475.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 8.3 mg, 6.6 mg, 11.5 mg, 13.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 8.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg, 125.0 mg, 375.0 mg, 0.15 mg, 5.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 17.0 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.8 mg, 1.5 mg, 18.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 0.33 mg, 19.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 0.55 mg, 60.0 mg, 17.5 mg, 3.34 mg, 22.5 mg, 6.25 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.66 mg, 7.0 mg, 3.75 mg, 8.0 mg, 12.0 mg, 16.7 mg, 6.67 mg, 7.5 mg, 35.0 mg, 45.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 3.3 mg, 52.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 0.018 mg/mg, 0.13 mg/mL, 15.0 mg/mL, 18.0 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 0.002 mg/mg, 14.5 mg/mL, 30.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 800.0 mg/mL

, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Liquid - Oral, Topical, Shampoo, Shampoo - Topical, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Solution, Liquid, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Lozenge - Oral, Lozenge, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, extended release; Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Solution / drops, Powder - Oral, Powder, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Tablet, Delayed Release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Delayed Release, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution / drops - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Kit - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit

Combined Modality Therapy

Dietary Modifications

Risk of pancreatitis

inadequate response to diet

Hypertriglyceridemia

High Cholesterol

Hardening of the Arteries

dietary supplementation

Primary Hypercholesterolemia

cholesterol

Myocardial Infarction

Hyperlipidemias

Triglycerides

Dyslipidemias

Pellagra

High Cardiovascular Risk

Warnings

Niaspan Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Hypervitaminosis

Do Not Combine

Liver Dysfunction

Do Not Combine

Transaminases

Do Not Combine

Hemorrhage

Do Not Combine

Liver Diseases

Do Not Combine

Peptic Ulcer

Do Not Combine

Transaminases

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Niaspan.

Common Niaspan Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Abemaciclib

Major

The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Niacin.

Acalabrutinib

Major

The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be decreased when combined with Niacin.

Acenocoumarol

Major

The metabolism of Acenocoumarol can be decreased when combined with Niacin.

Alectinib

Major

The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Niacin.

Alpelisib

Major

The metabolism of Alpelisib can be decreased when combined with Niacin.

Niaspan Toxicity & Overdose Risk

An overdose of niacin can cause prolonged low blood pressure. If this occurs, supportive treatments such as giving fluids intravenously may be necessary. In mice, the toxic dose of niacin is 3720mg/kg, in rabbits it is 4550mg/kg, in rats it is 7000mg/kg, and in rats the toxic dose when applied to the skin is higher than 2000mg/kg.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Niaspan Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Niaspan?

At present, 44 active trials are underway to assess the potential of Niaspan to address inadequate dietary responses, Cholesterol elevation and Type II Hyperlipidaemia.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Coronary Artery Disease

0 Actively Recruiting

dietary supplementation

0 Actively Recruiting

High Cholesterol

19 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1

Dyslipidemias

1 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2

Pellagra

0 Actively Recruiting

cholesterol

4 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Not Applicable

Hyperlipidemias

0 Actively Recruiting

Risk of pancreatitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Hardening of the Arteries

17 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3

Primary Hypercholesterolemia

8 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable

Combined Modality Therapy

0 Actively Recruiting

High Cardiovascular Risk

1 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3

Dietary Modifications

3 Actively Recruiting

Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 2

Triglycerides

0 Actively Recruiting

Hypertriglyceridemia

6 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Phase 2

Myocardial Infarction

0 Actively Recruiting

inadequate response to diet

0 Actively Recruiting

Niaspan Reviews: What are patients saying about Niaspan?

Patient Review

6/26/2012

Niaspan for High Cholesterol

I was on this drug for about 4 months. Did nothing for my Cholesterol level. Never got over the burning from the inside out, extreme redness, and itching.

Patient Review

8/12/2013

Niaspan for Combined High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Level

I saw a significant reduction in cholesterol and triglyceride levels after just four months of using this medication, and my HDL level also increased. I'm very pleased with the results.

Patient Review

1/27/2015

Niaspan for Combined High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Level

Niaspan has been effectively keeping my levels in a good range for nine years now. Welchol was added two years ago and my cholesterol levels are now normal. Plus, my HDL is above 80 and T-Chol/HDL is below 3.5

Patient Review

9/13/2014

Niaspan for Combined High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Level

I have been taking this medication for a long time and have had great results. My blood work is always clean and my doctor is happy with the results. However, I am starting to become concerned with some of the recent studies that have come out.

4.7

Patient Review

7/26/2012

Niaspan for Combined High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Level

I have been on Niaspan for a few years now and I am beginning to wonder if it is causing more harm than good. I have noticed that injuries are more easily obtained and last longer, as well as different side effects such as burning in the sides of my heels, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and pain in the bottom of my feet. The numbers seem to be helpful, but I'm just concerned that it's ruining me in some way.

4.3

Patient Review

7/27/2013

Niaspan for Combined High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Level

I've experienced some strange things since starting to use Niaspan. My legs feel weak and painful, and I've been hiccupping for days now with no relief in sight. I'm going to stop taking the medication for a while and see if these symptoms go away. Statins are worse, so I didn't want to read about side effects until now in case I started experiencing them myself.

4.3

Patient Review

8/8/2012

Niaspan for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood

I started taking Niaspan in April 2012. My total cholesterol was 270 and my bad cholesterol was 160. After eight weeks of taking the medication, along with oat bran, my total cholesterol was 202 and my bad cholesterol was 131. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking similar results."

3.7

Patient Review

11/9/2012

Niaspan for Combined High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Level

I took this medication for six months at a dosage of 500mg per day, and then increased it to 1000mg. My cholesterol levels have lowered somewhat, but I've been dealing with really uncomfortable burning and tingling skin. Additionally, my blood sugar has risen above what is considered normal.

3.3

Patient Review

6/6/2012

Niaspan for Combined High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Level

Patient Review

10/16/2012

Niaspan for High Cholesterol

I had been taking this medication for a few weeks with no issues until last night. I woke up to my insides burning and it lasted around half an hour. It was so severe that I'm seeing my doctor in the morning. Even though this drug has helped me a lot (my triglycerides dropped from 250 to 91), I don't know if I can continue taking it.

2.3

Patient Review

4/1/2019

Niaspan for High Cholesterol

One possible side effect of this medicine is blotchy skin, which I unfortunately experienced. Now, I have what look like age spots on my legs.

1.7

Patient Review

5/11/2013

Niaspan for High Cholesterol

I took the 500 mg dosage for 8 days as recommended. However, I started to feel really tired and achy; I attributed this to the statins I had just stopped taking. Then, as per my doctor's orders, I went up to 1000 mg. Immediately, I felt even more lethargic and out of it. Not to mention, my urine became discolored after only 5 days. So,I stopped taking it and gradually the aches and fatigue went away.

1.7

Patient Review

9/14/2012

Niaspan for Low HDL Cholesterol

I found this medication to be effective; it did what it said it would do. I took 1000 MG from the beginning, only at night before bed. I didn't experience any flushing but occasionally felt a twisted feeling. I'm in a different country now and my new doctor says this drug is experimental, very expensive, and not stocked by hospitals. We will monitor my LDL and triglyceride levels; if necessary, I will reorder the medication.

1.3

Patient Review

9/23/2013

Niaspan for Combined High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Level

At first, I was on a lower dosage which didn't do much. So my doctor upped it to 1500mg... and then my liver enzymes and potassium levels went up. I was constantly throwing up and feeling very tired and lightheaded. My doctor took me off of the medication for 3 weeks to see how I would fare without it.

Patient Review

5/16/2012

Niaspan for High Cholesterol

Patient Review

6/1/2014

Niaspan for Combined High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Level

I unfortunately had an allergic reaction to Niaspan 500mg where I developed hives.

Patient Review

2/5/2013

Niaspan for High Cholesterol

Recently, my doctor upped my dosage to 2000 mg a day. Since then, I've been incredibly tired and have struggled to get enough sleep. Has anyone else experienced this problem?

Patient Review

11/3/2016

Niaspan for Low HDL Cholesterol

I took Niaspan for one month and was okay. The second month, I started feeling a burning sensation on my legs which then spread to my arms. One night, it was so severe that I thought I might spontaneously combust. Thankfully, I stopped taking the drug immediately and saw a doctor who told me that I must be allergic to it.

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about niaspan

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Niaspan a statin drug?

"Niaspan lowers triglycerides, but Mevacor is more effective for improving cholesterol levels. Statin side effects can be difficult to deal with, but the benefits might outweigh the risks."

Answered by AI

What is Niaspan 500mg used for?

"Niaspan is a medicine that you need a prescription for. It is used to lower the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood, and to increase the levels of good cholesterol. You can take it by itself, or with other medications."

Answered by AI

Is Niaspan the same as niacin?

"Niaspan is a medication that contains niacin, a type of B vitamin. Niaspan is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood."

Answered by AI

What is the drug Niaspan used for?

"Niacin is a drug that helps to lower bad cholesterol and fats (LDL and triglycerides) in the blood and raise good cholesterol (HDL) when used in combination with a proper diet and exercise program. It is usually used after non-drug treatments have not been successful in lowering cholesterol levels."

Answered by AI