NIASCOR is a B vitamin (vitamin B3) and is present in many multiple vitamins and nutritional supplements. It occurs naturally in plants and animals, and is also added to many foods as a vitamin supplement.

NIASCOR is used to treat and prevent a lack of natural niacin in the body, and to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood. It is also used to lower the risk of heart attack in people with high cholesterol who have already had a heart attack. NIASCOR is sometimes used to treat coronary artery disease (also called atherosclerosis).

NIASCOR is sometimes taken at bedtime with a low-fat snack. Take NIASCOR with a full glass of cold or cool water. Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

If you stop taking NIASCOR for any length of time, talk with your doctor before starting the medication again. You may need to restart the medication at a lower dose.

NIASCOR 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.

• liver or kidney disease
• heart disease or uncontrolled angina (chest pain)
• a stomach ulcer
• diabetes
• gout
• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis

Common side effects include mild dizziness; warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin; itching, dry skin; sweating or chills; nausea, diarrhea, belching, gas; muscle pain, leg cramps or sleep problems (insomnia).

Serious side effect may include feeling light-headed, fainting; fast, pounding, or uneven heart beats; feeling short of breath; swelling; jaundice or muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about additional side effects.