Niaspan
(Niacin)
Lowers cholesterol.
Our bottom line
Niaspan (Niacin) lowers triglycerides, but isn't as good as statins for improving cholesterol levels.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (niacin)
Upsides
- Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) in people who have trouble doing this through diet and exercise.
- Good for lowering triglycerides (fats).
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What to expect from Niaspan, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
380Downsides
- By itself, Niaspan (Niacin) isn't as effective as statins for improving cholesterol levels.
- It can cause flushing and stomach pain or discomfort.
- You need to take it before bedtime with a low-fat snack.
- If you miss doses often, you may need to re-start taking the medicine more regularly at a lower dose.
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What to expect from Niaspan, on one page
Download Fact SheetNiaspan (Niacin) is a cholesterol-lowering medicine. Researchers don't know exactly how it works, but it seems to lower the amount of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) made by the liver.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (niacin)
Used for
- High cholesterol
- High triglycerides (fats)
- Prevention of repeat heart attacks in people with high cholesterol
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
Prices and coupons
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$21.89 - CostcoGet free coupon$24.38
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$27.05
What to expect when you take Niaspan (Niacin) for High cholesterol
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Flushing
- Itchiness
- Sore muscle (with statin)
- Nausea
Side effect rates for Niaspan (Niacin)
- Flushing68%68%19%19%
- Itching8%8%2%2%
- Diarrhea7%7%13%13%
- Nausea5%5%7%7%
- Rash5%5%
- Cough increased3%3%6%6%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Niaspan.
People taking Niaspan felt side effect more
People taking Niaspan felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Niaspan (Niacin)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking Niaspan (Niacin) with statins
People taking Niaspan (Niacin) who are also using a statin medicine have reported muscle pain. This is very rare, but can lead to muscle and kidney damage. Talk to your doctor if you develop sudden unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or fever.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats high cholesterol and lipid levels in the blood.Common concerns from people taking Niaspan (Niacin)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Niaspan (Niacin) can interact with blood thinners and make you more likely to bleed. Your doctor may have you do regular blood tests and change your medication doses.
- Don't have alcohol, spicy foods, or hot beverages right before you take this medicine.
- You need to take it before bedtime with a low-fat snack.
- It can cause flushing and stomach pain or discomfort.