Precautions and Warnings With Niacin Extended-Release

There are many precautions and warnings with niacin extended-release to be aware of. Among other things, niacin extended-release can contribute to gout and high blood sugar, interact with a number of medicines (such as statins), and have side effects like an increase in liver enzymes. A few of the conditions to let your doctor know about before taking niacin extended-release include stomach or intestinal ulcers, gallbladder disease or gallstones, and heart disease or a history of heart attack.

Info About Niacin Extended Release

Niacin Extended-Release: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Prior to taking niacin extended-release (Niaspan^®), you should talk with your healthcare provider if you have:

Diabetes
Gallbladder disease or gallstones
Gout
Low blood counts, low platelet counts, or bleeding problems
Heart disease or a history of heart attack
Kidney disease or kidney failure
Liver disease or liver failure
Low blood pressure (or if you are taking blood pressure medication)
Stomach or intestinal ulcers
An allergy to niacin extended-release, any other medications, foods, dyes (tartrazine), or preservatives.

It is also important to let your healthcare provider know if you are:

Pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant
Breastfeeding
A frequent user of alcoholic beverages.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you may currently be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some vitamins or nutritional supplements may contain niacin or related substances that can increase the side effects of niacin extended-release.

(Precautions and Warnings With Niacin Extended-Release Continued: Page 2)