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Niaspan Side Effects

Niaspan is a brand name for a high-dose niacin, or vitamin B3, extended release tablet. This medication is prescribed to lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Many side effects are possible.

  1. Most Common Effect

    • Skin flushing is the most common side effect associated with large doses of niacin, involving warmth, redness, itching or tingling of the face and neck. It can be accompanied by lightheadedness and dizziness. In clinical trials, flushing occurred in up to 88 percent of some participants, and was the most common reason people discontinued the medication.

    Flushing Relief

    • Taking an aspirin or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug 30 minutes before taking Niaspan can help, and people should avoid drinking alcohol or hot beverages at the time of taking Niaspan. Flushing should stop after a few weeks.

    Other Side Effects

    • Other side effects occurring in 5 to 11 percent of participants in Niaspan clinical trials included diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, heartburn, indigestion, rash and runny nose.

    Liver Issues

    • Niaspan can cause or worsen liver problems. Symptoms include elevated liver enzymes, dark urine, abdominal pain, jaundice and nausea.

    Rhabdomyolysis

    • Using Niaspan along with a statin drug, commonly prescribed to reduce cholesterol, has been linked with a rare but severe disorder called rhabdomyolysis. This condition causes breakdown of skeletal muscle, releasing a protein into the blood that damages the kidneys.

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