What is Niaspan XR?
Niaspan XR is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient niacin, a type of B vitamin. This medication is an extended-release formula. It is designed to slowly release niacin into your body over several hours. Niaspan XR is used along with a healthy diet to improve cholesterol levels in adults. It works by lowering “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It also helps to increase the levels of “good” cholesterol. This can help lower your risk of certain health problems.
How does Niaspan XR work?
Niaspan XR works directly in the liver and in fat cells to control the production of certain fats. Niacin, its active ingredient, decreases the liver’s ability to produce VLDL (very-low-density lipoproteins). VLDL is a precursor to LDL, the “bad” cholesterol. By reducing VLDL, Niaspan XR effectively lowers your LDL and triglyceride levels. At the same time, it helps to slow down the process that removes HDL, the “good” cholesterol, from your blood. This action leads to higher HDL levels and a better overall cholesterol profile.
Who is Niaspan XR for?
Niaspan XR is for adults who have unhealthy cholesterol levels, such as primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia. This means their “bad” cholesterol (LDL) or triglycerides are too high, and their “good” cholesterol (HDL) is too low. It is often prescribed when diet and exercise alone are not enough. Niaspan XR is also for patients with a history of heart attack and high cholesterol. In these cases, it helps reduce the risk of another nonfatal heart attack. It can also be used with other drugs to slow artery disease.
Dosage and administration
Niaspan XR dosage is determined by your doctor based on your cholesterol levels and how you respond to the medicine. Patients usually start with a low dose, which is slowly increased over several weeks. This helps reduce side effects like flushing. Niaspan XR should be taken at bedtime with a low-fat snack. The tablets must be swallowed whole. You should not crush, chew, or break them. Breaking the tablet can release all the medicine at once. This increases the risk of side effects. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
Side effects
Niaspan XR may cause side effects, with the most common one being flushing of the skin. Flushing feels like warmth and causes redness, itching, and tingling. It usually lessens over time. Other common side effects can include headache, diarrhea, nausea, and an upset stomach. In some cases, Niaspan XR can cause more serious issues. These include liver problems, high blood sugar, or muscle pain. Contact your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle weakness, dark urine, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Why buy from IsraelPharm?
Choosing IsraelPharm for your medication needs means prioritizing both your health and your budget. We provide authentic, brand-name medications like Niaspan XR sourced from a network of trusted international pharmacists. This ensures you receive the same quality treatment you expect, but at a more affordable price. Our streamlined online ordering process makes getting your prescriptions simple and convenient. With discreet packaging delivered directly to your door, IsraelPharm is the smart, safe, and cost-effective choice for your health.
The most common side effect of Niaspan is flushing (warmth, redness, itching, or tingling of the skin). Other common side effects may include:
- Headache
- Stomach upset or indigestion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Itching
More serious side effects can occur. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience persistent muscle pain or weakness, severe dizziness, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or dark urine, as these may be signs of a serious condition.
Niaspan XR (Niacin) is indicated as an adjunct to diet for the treatment of high cholesterol when diet and other non-drug measures are not enough. It is used for:
- Reducing elevated total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C (bad cholesterol), Apolipoprotein B (Apo B), and triglycerides (TG).
- Increasing HDL-C (good cholesterol) in patients with primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia.
- Reducing the risk of a recurrent nonfatal heart attack in patients with a history of myocardial infarction and hyperlipidemia.
- Slowing the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) when used with other therapies.