Niaspan Precautions and Warnings

People who should not take Niaspan include those with arterial disease, active peptic ulcer disease, or abnormally high liver enzymes, among other conditions. Since Niaspan is known to pass through breast milk, nursing is not recommended while taking Niaspan. Some other Niaspan precautions and warnings include side effects like flushing of the face and neck, potential drug interactions, and precautions for people with diabetes or gout.

 

Niaspan: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Prior to taking
 Niaspan® (niacin extended-release), you should talk with your healthcare provider if you have:
 
  • Diabetes
  • Gallbladder disease or gallstones
  • Gout
  • Low blood counts, platelets, or bleeding problems
  • Heart disease or a history of heart attack
  • Kidney disease or kidney failure
  • Liver disease or liver failure
  • Low blood pressure or are taking blood pressure medication
  • Stomach or intestinal ulcers
  • An allergy to Niaspan, any other medications, foods, dyes (tartrazine), or preservatives.
     
It is also important to let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • A frequent user of alcoholic beverages.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you may currently be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some vitamins or nutritional supplements may contain niacin or related substances that can increase the side effects of Niaspan.
 
(Niaspan Precautions and Warnings Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;