Proper Use of Niaspan

Dosage should be individualized according to patient's response under direction of a doctor and should be taken at bedtime.

Usual Adult Starting Dose: 500 mg daily for the first 4 weeks.

Dosage Increase: Increase to 1000mg daily for next 4 weeks (weeks 5-8).

Dosage Increase (if necessary): Increase to 1500 mg daily for next 4 weeks (weeks 9-12).

Dosage Increase (if necessary): Increase to 2000 mg daily (week 16).

Maintenance Dose: 1000-2000 mg per day for long-term benefits.

Daily dose should not be increased more than 500 mg in a 4-week period. Doses above 2000 mg daily are not recommended.

Do not substitute an equivalent dose of another niacin (nicotinic acid) product for your NIASPAN (see Warnings and Precautions).

NIASPAN tablets are designed to be taken whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew them.

This medication is prescribed for the particular condition you have. Do not give this medication to other people nor use it for any other condition.

Other Helpful Hints:

• Always take NIASPAN in one dose at bedtime.
• To minimize the risk of stomach upset, take NIASPAN with a low-fat snack.
• Avoid spicy foods and hot or alcoholic beverages around the time of taking NIASPAN.
• If the side effect flushing is bothersome, (see Side Effects and What to Do About Them, below), discuss it with your doctor, and your doctor may recommend that you take acetylsalicylic acid, if this is appropriate for you up to 30 minutes before taking NIASPAN.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about any vitamins or other nutritional supplements containing niacin (nicotinic acid, niacinamide, nicotinamide) you are currently taking.

Overdose:

Seek medical attention.

Missed Dose:

You should take NIASPAN every night at bedtime as prescribed. If you miss a dose, take your usual NIASPAN dose the next evening; do not make up for missed doses by taking extra tablets.

If you stop taking NIASPAN for a week or more, contact your doctor for instructions.

SIDE EFFECTS >