Product Details: Niaspan (Niacin)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Kos

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an antihyperlipidemic used to decrease levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. TAKE THIS MEDICINE AT BEDTIME after a low-fat snack unless your doctor directs otherwise. Do not take this medicine with a hot drink or alcohol. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking 1 dose daily at bedtime, skip the missed dose. Do NOT take the dose in the morning or take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE large doses of vitamins (megadoses or megavitamin therapy) while taking this medicine unless directed to by your doctor. FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE warmth or flushing. Check with your doctor for ways to lessen these effects. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may cause false test results with some urine glucose tests. Check with your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine or changing your diet.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include a temporary feeling of warmth or flushing of the skin, skin rash, itching, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience continued flushing of the skin; vomiting; diarrhea; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; changes in vision; fast heart rate; irregular heartbeat; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Niacin