Niacin (Niacor) Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider. This medicine can increase blood sugar.

• If you have gallbladder disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). May increase flushing.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Flushing. Taking aspirin or ibuprofen 30 minutes before taking this medicine may help.

• Headache.

• Itching.

• Liver damage can rarely occur.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Not able to eat.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Yellow skin or eyes.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.