You should not take Niaspan ER if you are allergic to niacin, or if you have severe liver disease, a stomach ulcer, or active bleeding.
Niaspan ER can cause certain side effects, such as flushing (warmth, itching, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin). These effects can be made worse if you drink alcohol or hot beverages shortly after you take Niaspan ER. These effects should disappear over time as you keep taking the medication.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Avoid taking colestipol (Colestid) or cholestyramine (Locholest, Prevalite, Questran) at the same time you take Niaspan ER. If you take either of these other medications, take them at least 4 to 6 hours before or after you take this medicine.
Niaspan ER is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Niaspan ER if you are allergic to niacin, or if you have severe liver disease, a stomach ulcer, or active bleeding.
To make sure you can safely take Niaspan ER, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
liver or kidney disease;
heart disease or uncontrolled angina (chest pain);
a stomach ulcer;
diabetes;
gout; or
a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.
FDA pregnancy category C. Niaspan ER 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. Niacin 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.
 Niaspan pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)
