Common Side Effects of Niaspan
Niaspan has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, side effects in a group of poeple taking the medicine are documented and then compared to side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they occur, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
Based on these studies, the most common side effect of Niaspan is flushing (warmth, redness, itching, and/or tingling) of the face and neck. This side effect was also commonly accompanied with dizziness and lightheadedness. In clinical trials, flushing episodes were seen in as many as 88 percent of people taking Niaspan, and it was the most common reason why people stopped taking the medication.
Other common Niaspan side effects include:
- Flushing of the face and neck -- up to 88 percent
- Headache -- up to 11 percent
- Diarrhea -- up to 8 percent
- Nausea and vomiting -- up to 8 percent
- Stomach pain -- up to 5 percent
- Indigestion or heartburn -- up to 5 percent
- Generalized pain -- up to 5 percent
- Runny nose -- up to 5 percent
- Rash and itching -- up to 5 percent.
Niaspan Side Effects to Report
Some side effects with Niaspan, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
- Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you have a fever or feel ill
- Severe stomach pain and loss of appetite
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Fainting spells or dizziness
- Passing brown or dark-colored urine
- Passing gray-colored stools
- Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Heart palpitations (irregular heartbeats)
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Unexplained rash or itching.
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