Important Safety Information

NIACOR is not for people with liver problems, stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, or those allergic to any product ingredient. Important Safety Information and Uses You Should Know About NIACOR® (niacin immediate-release) tablets

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• NIACOR is not for people with liver problems, stomach ulcers, serious bleeding problems, or those allergic to any product ingredient.
• Tell your healthcare provider about any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, as this could be a sign of a serious side effect. This risk increases when NIACOR is taken, particularly in the elderly, diabetics, and those with kidney or thyroid problems.
• NIASPAN should be used with caution if you consume large amounts of alcohol and/or have a past history of liver disease.
• Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and during treatment to check liver enzyme levels, as these can increase with treatment.
• NIACOR can cause an increase in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels more frequently during the first few months or with NIACOR dose changes.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems or a history of gout. NIACOR can cause an increase in uric acid levels.
• The most common side effects with NIACOR are flushing, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, increased cough, and itching.
• Flushing (warmth, redness, itching, and/or tingling of the skin) is a common side effect of NIACOR therapy. It may vary in severity and is more likely to happen when starting NIACOR or during dose increases. Flushing may get better after several weeks of consistent NIACOR use. Talk to your doctor about how the symptoms of flushing are different from symptoms of a heart attack. By dosing at bedtime, flushing will likely occur during sleep.
• If awakened by flushing, get up slowly, especially if feeling dizzy or faint, or taking blood pressure medications. If you are taking another cholesterol medication called a bile acid-binding resin (e.g., colestipol, cholestyramine) along with NIACOR, take these medicines at least 4 to 6 hours apart.
• Some medicines should not be taken with NIACOR. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including aspirin, any cholesterol medication, blood pressure medication, blood thinner medication, or any products containing niacin or nicotinamide.