NIACIN-ORAL (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your entire medical history, including: diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, gallbladder disease, gout, ulcers, any allergies - including aspirin and tartrazine (a dye in some food and medication, including niacin). To minimize dizziness or lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Since alcohol can intensify drug side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the use of alcohol. If niacin is used for treating a lipid (high cholesterol or triglyceride) problem, then it should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Doses for lipid problems are generally much higher than daily multivitamin doses (minimum daily allowance). Niacin is excreted into breast milk. If niacin is being used for lipid problems, breast-feeding is not recommended due to possible infant side effects. Consult your doctor before you breast-feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking especially: high blood pressure medication, diabetes medicine, fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate), "statins" (e.g., lovastatin, atorvastatin). If you take insulin or oral diabetes medication, your dose may need to be altered due to increased blood sugar levels caused by niacin. Ask your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
NOTES: Niacin is common in foods such as beans, milk products, eggs, chicken and steak. Eat more of these foods to increase the amount of niacin in your diet if you have a niacin deficiency. There are many niacin products available. Some can be purchased without a prescription. Consult your doctor or pharmacist on the choice of a product best for you. Laboratory tests will be performed (especially if prescribed for cholesterol/triglyceride control) to monitor for effectiveness and possible side effects. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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