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Alternatives to Niaspan to Raise HDL

Niaspan (prescription niacin) isn't the only prescribed medication that can be used to raise HDL cholesterol levels. There are many others medications that can do the same thing. Such as fibrates (like Lofibra and TriCor), statins (Crestor and Lipitor are two), and cholesterol absorption inhibitors (Zetia). In addition, the combination of statins and cholesterol absorption inhibitors (like Vytorin) can be prescribed to reduce HDL cholesterol levels too.

  1. Fibrates

    • The following fibrate drug brand names (with their generic name in parenthesis) not only increase HDL cholesterol levels, they also decrease triglyceride levels: Lofibra (fenofibrate), Lopid (gemfibrozil), TriCor (fenofibrate). And while this medication can positively affect two cholesterol levels at once, it is not without possible negative side effects. Fortunately, the side effects are few (nausea and pain in the stomach); however, fibrates can also sometimes cause gallstones as well.

    Statins

    • These statin drugs---Altoprev, Mevacor (lovastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin), and Lescol (fluvastatin)---all increase HDL cholesterol levels, as well as decrease both LDL and triglyceride levels. Lipitor (altorvastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin), and Zocor (simvastatin) statin drugs have the same effect on cholesterol levels too, also improving all three. However, like Niaspan and fibrates, statin drugs are not without side effects either. Side effects of statins can include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, muscle soreness and pain, as well as stomach cramps.

    Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

    • Zetia is a brand name for a cholesterol absorption inhibitor (the generic name is ezetimibe). Cholesterol absorption inhibitors, like statins, work on all three cholesterol levels---slightly increasing the HDL level, while decreasing LDL and triglycerides. One side effect of using this prescription medication is possible fatigue. Two others are stomach pain and muscle soreness.

    Combination Drugs

    • Vytorin (simvastatin) is a combination statin and cholesterol absorption inhibitor medication. And, as you might expect, the benefits of each drug (increasing HDL, decreasing LDL and triglycerides) are enjoyed by those who take the combination drug. Likewise, however, the user can also expect to experience side effects (fatigue, muscle soreness and pain, stomach cramps and pain, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation) from both as well.

    Niaspan Versus Others

    • Gout, high blood sugar, and peptic ulcers are several concerning side effects that are possible from the use of Niaspan, a prescription niacin medication. These serious side effects are not experienced with alternative medication options detailed above, making them a more positive alternative when trying to raise HDL cholesterol levels.

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