Question/Comment:

Either Niacin will lower bad cholesterol. The 'flushing' type is more effective and you can avoid the flushing by taking Niacin on a full stomach.
Several years ago a study was released and published showing that people who take therapeutic doses of Niacin daily are 70% LESS likely to suffer heart attack or stroke. Maybe a little flushing isn't so bad after all!

Question/Comment:

I have been on Niaspan, 1500 for 2 years now. The flushing is AWFUL, I wake up 2 or 3 times a nite and have to change my pj's, they happen all day long and t he only thing that calms them down is a cold face cloth on the cheeks and a hand fan, they last for 15 to 30 minutes and happen maybe 5 times a day, down from 10 to 15 because my doctor put me on a catapres patch used for high BP but a side effect is that it helps some with the flushing. My levels at last check were within normal limits however the specialist said to stay on it cause if it was working to where i could come off, the level would be in the thirties not 71.

Question/Comment:

I've been taking NIASPAN 1500mg for the last 8-9 years. Apart from the occasional flush, I would like to know if NIASPAN causes weakness of the muscles and nerves. For the last 8 or 9 months, I've been experiencing sore arms, shoulders, elbows, and I can hardly lift any heavy item. My primary care provider doesn't know what can cause my condition.

62 year old male

Answer/Reply:

I experienced severe muscle weakness on niaspan and could hardly walk. If your doctor would just READ the prescribing information, he will see that myopathy ( muscle weakness) is a possible side effect from this drug.

ANY cholesterol lowering drug has the capability to induce muscular weakness and pain.

I quit the niaspan seven years ago. I have improved alot, but still am limited in my physical activity. I can only work part time due to muscle fatigue. Niaspan is my largest regret.

Answer/Reply:

I've been taking Niaspan for almost 5 years. I first took 1500MG/day, then was increased to 2500MG per day. I avoid the flush by taking it at night before I go to bed (I've learned to sleep through the "flash"). I also take a 325MG aspirin and some co-enzyme Q10 at least one half hour before the Niaspan. This drug therapy was recommened by my cardiologist and seems to work. I don't have any muscle pain and am not aware of any loss of strength.

Answer/Reply:

Your lucky to be able to take it without significant problems.

You state that it "seems to work". I hear this comment alot from many cholesterol lowering boards. "Lipitor works for me." "The Zocor is working" " the Niaspan works".

Lets face it, we take these drugs not just for the sake of lowering cholesterol. But we take them to aviod a bad event. Right? That is the objective isn't it? So how do we prove that a drug is working? How do we prove that the drug prevented an event from happening? We can't. There is no way to say " Gosh, I would have had a heart attack last tuesday, but because I'm taking this drug, the heart attack was prevented."

Bottom line: We really can't say for sure if its working. Half of all heart attacks occur in people with low to normal cholesterol, and half of first time heart attacks happen to people with LDL in target range.

Sorry for putting a bee in your bonnett, but I just had to bring this up.

Answer/Reply:

Consider Slo Niacin for extended release, decreased flushing and possible reduction in muscle pain

Answer/Reply:

You can take slo niacin if interested in liver failure.

Answer/Reply:

I have been taking 1000mg Niaspan daily for the last month and a half -- not for high cholesterol, but for extremely low HDL (31). I have not experienced any flushing, and my cardiologist has told me that it does not seem to be as effective in those who do not get the flush. I have yet to go for a follow-up blood test, so I can't say how true that is.

The doc gave me two months worth of Niaspan samples and told me that I could take a slow-release OTC niacin when the samples ran out, if I could find it. He said to check with a pharmacist first. The pharmacist said I could make the substitution, but be sure to get either the nicotinic acid or "flush free" nicotinamide form (niacin converts to nicotinamide in the body, and this is when flushing occurs). Inositol hexanicotinate is also sold as "flush free" niacin, but it has not been proven to effect cholesterol/lipid levels.

Answer/Reply:

Or consider populations who suffer little to no heart disease. They don't take any of this stuff we are taking.

Question/Comment:

I have been taking Niaspan for the last year. The flushing continue and every time they are worse. I know they will go away but the last time it came with a severe rash which took about half an hour to go away. Whay should I do
Female 52

Answer/Reply:

I have only been taking Niaspan for about 6 months, however, my pharmacist recommended taking ibuprofen along with the Niaspan to reduce the flash effects. It has worked for me most of the time. I make that statement because it is better to get the Ibuprofen on board about 1/2 hour before the Niaspan. I have taken it at the same time and experienced the face flush. I use cool wash rags to calm down the flare up.
Maybe Ibuprofen can work for you also.
Female 57

Answer/Reply:

My concern would be taking the Ibuprofen that can effect your liver. My doctor's tell me to not take Ibuprofen for long durations, like nightly. As far as Niacin goes, I have tried a variety and like the Goldline 500 mg non-timed release and just deal with the flushing once after bathing while getting ready for work. That works for me.

Question/Comment:

Be aware that Niaspan will cause extreme itching on the trunk and legs. When this happens, take a regular (325 mg.) aspirin at night with the Niaspan.

Answer/Reply:

AS FOR FLUSHING OR RASH WITH NIASPAN, I FOUND THAT
THE FLUSHING AND RASH WILL ONLY HAPPEN WHEN YOU
HAVE TAKEN COFFEE OR TEA RIGHT AFTER TAKING THE NIASPAN. THE HOT LIQUID TRIGGERS THESE TWO REACTIONS. DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING HOT IMMEDIATELY BEFORE OR AFTER THE NIASPAN - AT LEAST 3 OR MORE HOURS AND YOU WILL NOT HAVE THE RASH OR FLUSHING.