Is NIASPAN the same as niacin ER?

Is NIASPAN the same as niacin ER?

The popular extended-release cholesterol medication, Niaspan is now available as generic niacin ER. What is niacin ER? Niaspan (Niacin ER) is used to treat high cholesterol, along with diet and exercise.

What is NIASPAN 500mg used for?

Used along with low-cholesterol diet and exercise, NIASPAN works to help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and help raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol and lower triglycerides (“fats”) in your blood. NIASPAN is available in 500-mg, 750-mg, and 1000-mg tablets. Tablets not shown actual size.

Why is NIASPAN discontinued?

One patient discontinued Niaspan because of transaminase elevations. Intolerance to flushing, leading to discontinuation of Niaspan, occurred in 4.8% of patients. The overall rate of discontinuance due to flushing in this study combined with 2 previous randomized trials was 7.3%.

Is NIASPAN extended release?

These effects should disappear over time as you keep taking the medication. Take Niaspan ER with a full glass of cold or cool water. Taking the medication with a hot drink may increase your risk of side effects such as flushing.

What drug classification is Niaspan?

Niaspan belong to a class of drugs called lipid-lowering agents, water soluble vitamins, B vitamins.

Is Niaspan a statin drug?

Niaspan is not a statin medication. Niaspan, or niacin, is a B-complex vitamin. It is used to lower cholesterol levels.

Is Niaspan safe?

Niaspan, a new US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, once-daily, extended-release form, has been found effective and safe in short-term trials. The long-term efficacy and safety of Niaspan lipid monotherapy was studied in 517 patients (aged 21-75 years) for < or =96 weeks in dosages < or =3,000 mg/day.

Is there a generic drug for niacin?

Prescription niacin is available as a generic drug and as brand-name drugs. Brand names: Niacor, Niaspan. Niacor comes as an oral tablet, and Niaspan comes as an oral extended-release tablet. Generic niacin comes in both forms.

Is there an over the counter Niaspan?

Nicotinic acid, also known as vitamin B3 and more commonly known as niacin, is available in several formulations that include immediate-release (IR), sustained-release (SR), and extended-release (ER) products such as Niaspan (AbbVie). Only the IR and SR niacin formulations are available OTC in the United States.

What happens when you take 500mg of niacin?

Niacin in the form of nicotinamide has fewer side effects than nicotinic acid. However, at high doses of 500 mg/day or more, nicotinamide can cause diarrhea, easy bruising, and can increase bleeding from wounds. Even higher doses of 3,000 mg/day or more can cause nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.

What does 500 mg of niacin do?

Prescription niacin is used to reduce the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty substances) in your blood, and decrease your risk of a heart attack. It works along with diet, exercise, and weight loss.