The prescrition drug Niaspan can be used to lower cholesterol and triglycrides in people with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This medication can also lower the chances of another heart attack in people with a history of a heart attack and high cholesterol. Niaspan comes as a tablet and is available as a generic, which is sold under the name Niacin Extended-Release tablets. Possible side effects of this drug include diarrhea, headache, and flushing of the face and neck.

 

• Lowering cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol). Niaspan can reduce total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), apo B (a component of cholesterol that is related to several heart disease risk factors), and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein cholesterol). Niaspan also raises HDL (good cholesterol).
   
• Lowering triglycerides in patients with hypertriglyceridemia (high triglyceride levels). Very high triglyceride levels in the body increase the risk of developing a condition known as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
   
• Lowering triglycerides or cholesterol levels in patients who are already taking another cholesterol medication, such as statins or bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam).
   
• Decreasing the chances of another heart attack in patients who have a history of both a heart attack and high cholesterol.
   
• When combined with a bile acid sequestrant, slowing the progression of atherosclerosis (narrowing or hardening of the arteries) in patients with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and high cholesterol.