Abbott is the patent holder/marketer for marketing Niaspan from the jurisdiction from where this medication is dispensed. Kos is the patent holder/marketer of Niaspan in the US.

NIASPAN is an antihyperlipidemic medication used to decrease levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It is prescribed for patients who have abnormal cholesterol levels. Along with diet, NIASPAN is FDA-approved to:

• Help raise HDL ("good") cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood in patients with abnormal cholesterol levels
• Reduce the chance of having another heart attack in patients who have had a heart attack and have high cholesterol levels
• Slow the buildup or even help clear away some plaque that builds on artery walls – when used in combination with diet and a bile acid-binding resin (another cholesterol medication) in patients who have a history of coronary artery disease and high cholesterol levels

NIASPAN is sometimes taken at bedtime with a low-fat snack. Take with a full glass of cold or cool water. Taking the medication with a hot drink may increase your risk of side effects such as flushing. 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. Follow your doctor's instructions.

• Patients who suffer from liver problems, stomach ulcers, serious bleeding problems, or those allergic to any product ingredient should not take NIASPAN.
• Tell your health care provider about any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness as this risk may increase when NIASPAN, particularly in the elderly, diabetics, and those with kidney or thyroid problems.
• NIASPAN should be used with caution if you consume large amounts of alcohol and/or have a past history of liver disease.
• NIASPAN may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels more frequently during the first few months or with NIASPAN dose changes.

Serious side effects may include feeling light-headed, fainting, fast, pounding, or uneven heart beats, feeling short of breath, swelling, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes) or muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine.

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