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What Is FCT for Cholesterol?

Niaspan FCT is the brand name of an extended-release niacin medication made by Sepracor Pharmaceuticals. Niacin is a B-complex vitamin that reduces cholesterol and fatty substances in the blood by decreasing the liver’s production of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Doctors prescribe Niapsan FCT to reduce specific types of cholesterol in patients after diet and exercise fail to improve their overall blood cholesterol levels.

  1. Niaspan FCT Therapy

    • High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for unhealthy arteries

      Niaspan FCT is an oral, film coated tablet often used with other drugs as an intervention for individuals whose high blood cholesterol is causing increased risk of narrowing and hardening of the arteries. Patients begin Niaspan FTC therapy after their doctor has ruled out heart disease risk factors including diabetes, hypothyroidism and alcoholism.

    Precautions

    • According to the National Institutes of Health, patients should eat a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet while taking a niacin medication. Patients should tell their doctor if they have any drug allergies, are taking any medications and if they have or ever had any diseases. Patients should also share with their doctor if they drink large amounts of alcohol, are pregnant, breast-feeding, or plan to become pregnant.

    Side Effects

    • Common side effects of FCT include headache, cough, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Another common side effect patients describe is warm, reddened, itchy and tingly skin called flushing. Flushing may subside after several weeks of initial Niaspan FCT therapy. Less common side effects include shortness of breath, pronounced heartbeat, sweating, chills, dizziness, fainting and swelling.

    Dosage

    • Doctors prescribe Niaspan FCT in 500 mg, 750 mg or 1000 mg extended-release film coated tablets. The recommended starting dose is 500 mg daily. Patients should take the medication at bedtime after a low-fat snack. Patients previously taking another niacin medication should not switch to Niaspan FCT at the same dose, but start at a lower dose as directed by their doctor.

    Benefits

    • Cholesterol travels through the blood stream in lipoproteins that are either high-density (good cholesterol) or low-density (bad cholesterol). Niaspan FCT aims to lower the bad cholesterol and fatty substances in the bloodstream while raising good cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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