LYCOS RETRIEVER
Niaspan: Doctors
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Regular-release and sustained-release forms of Niaspan are not the same. Also, over the counter nicotinic acid products and dietary supplements may be different from prescription preparations. Do not change the type of Niacin product you are taking without talking to your doctor.
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Niaspan can cause problems if your liver is weak. Before you start taking this medication, your doctor may order a blood test to check your liver. Blood tests will probably be repeated 6 and 12 weeks after you start taking Niaspan and periodically after that. While you are taking Niaspan, your doctor will monitor you very closely if you have ever had liver disease or if you are or have ever been a heavy drinker.
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FDA pregnancy category C. Niaspan may be harmful to an unborn baby when the medication is taken at doses to treat high cholesterol or other conditions. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Niaspan can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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To reduce the chance of side effects, Niaspan therapy is usually started at a low dosage and gradually increased. If you stop taking Niaspan for an extended period, contact your doctor. You'll probably need to build up to your old dose over a period of several months.
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Niaspan should not be used in combination with other nicotinic acid preparations. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking high dose multivitamins or vitamin B supplements in combination with this medicine.
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Niaspan side effects 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.
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