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Niaspan Patient Information

Niaspan, more commonly marketed under the brand name Niacin, is a prescription medication often used to decrease the amount of fatty cholesterol in a person's blood. The drug can also be used to help correct vitamin B deficiencies. Niaspan is most effective when dietary changes accompany use of the medication, according to MedlinePlus.

  1. Dosage

    • Niaspan can be prescribed either as a regular pill or an extended-release tablet, according to MedlinePlus. The regular medication is usually taken two to three times per day with meals, while the extended-release formula is typically ingested once at bedtime. Over time, most doctors tend to increase a patient's dosage of Niaspan. The medication should not be stopped suddenly.

    Diet Changes

    • Niaspan is most effective when accompanied by diet changes, according to MedlinePlus. Patients using the treatment should avoid fatty meats including liver, whole milk, cream, butter, egg yolks, shortening, cakes and pastries, gravy, chocolate, potato chips, fried foods, cheese and coconut. Recommended foods for Niaspan patients include the following: cottage cheese, fat-free milk, egg whites, polyunsaturated oils such as corn or safflower, and monounsaturated oils such as peanut or olive.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Serious side effects requiring immediate medical help are possible when taking Niaspan, according to MedlinePlus. Such symptoms include the following: dizziness, fainting or sensation of faintness, rapid heartbeat and yellow skin or eyes. Allergic reaction, usually marked by severe itching, hives and breathing problems, is also a possible medical emergency resulting from Niaspan treatment.

    Common Side Effects

    • Common side effects that are usually not a medical emergency also can result from Niaspan, according to MedlinePlus. These symptoms are as follows: mild itching, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, burning or tingling sensation of the skin, blurred vision, heartburn and bloating.

    Cost

    • Most health insurance plans will pay for all or part of the cost of Niaspan treatment. Those who have no insurance and low income may be eligible for patient assistance programs. As of August 2009, the approximate cash pay price for 30 tablets of 500 mg Niaspan is about $73. Those needing to purchase 90 1,000 mg controlled-release Niaspan pills could expect to pay about $367.

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