Niaspan and Flushing: What Users Say

• Tra...
• July 29, 2013

For High Cholesterol "Age 51. I went to get my regular blood work with my doctor. My cholesterol has always been >200 and I have a family history of heart attack and stroke. I tried everything over the years, including Crestor, which was an absolute disaster for me after only 4 doses. Since then, I have tried the natural methods: Red Yeast Rice (may as well be on a statin, the side effects are basically the same) and lots of fish and krill oil. I was disappointed that my bad cholesterol was still high after all that, and my number was 219 total. Based on my unwillingness to try another statin, my doctor suggested a 500mg pill of Niaspan to be taken nightly. I have experienced no flushing as yet after a month on it and really no bad side effects. New blood results: 192! I will check back in 3 months."

• Bee...
• April 7, 2011

For High Cholesterol "I have taken Niaspan 2000 mg for several years now. It has had great success in raising my HDL and keeping my triglycerides low. For years, I had minimal problems with flushing. But now, recently, I have had a number of episodes where I have woken up in the middle of the night with almost unbearable itching/burning skin. I took a break from the Niaspan for a couple of nights, and then when I tried it again, the itching was worse. I am going to have to discontinue this and consult with my doctor about what to do next to keep my numbers good."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 29, 2012

For High Cholesterol "Problems with flushing until the doctor told me not to eat strawberries or chocolate in the evening. I can eat them before lunch. I take Niaspan on going to bed. I eat 2 Graham crackers and 8 oz of milk when I take it. This has resolved all my problems with the medicine."

• pri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 23, 2013

For High Cholesterol "I take 1000 mg two times a day. Taking 325 mg of aspirin before I take the Niaspan helps with the flushing. I have been on Niaspan for about 3 years now, my numbers are down 10%. The little bit of flushing I do get is a lot better than the severe joint pain I had with the statin medications. I recommend taking Niaspan. It is working for me."

• Jes...
• October 15, 2009

For High Cholesterol "I participate in a Niaspan clinical trial and take 2000 mg/day along with Zocor and Zetia. I'm 65 and have severe arteriosclerosis. This combination of drugs has made a dramatic difference in my cholesterol numbers. I find that I don't have the 'flushing' (actually more like BURNING) if I take the Niaspan EVERY night and follow the aspirin, applesauce, and wheat crackers technique. It's rather a hassle, but I think worth the trouble."

• Anonymous
• September 19, 2011

For High Cholesterol "When major diet changes and exercise hardly changed cholesterol at all, I was started on 1500 mg Niaspan. I do experience flushing several times a month. Wake up hot and feel like I am burning up and itchy all over. If it delays another heart attack like 14 years ago, it is a small price to pay."

• Anonymous
• January 16, 2011

For High Cholesterol "Went on niacin @ 8000 mg fifteen years ago. Now on Niaspan at 2000 mg for the last five years. First medicine that has worked well with my body. My HDL stays in the 70s and total cholesterol under 120. Dosing time and other foods have to be managed to suppress flushing."

• lov...
• August 19, 2009

For High Cholesterol "I started on Niaspan for 2 months, 500 at night. I had no problems at all. I took an aspirin 1/2 hr. before, then ate a snack, cottage cheese, and never had flushing or anything. I was to take two 500 a night. But when I checked the price at Wal-Mart, they were $15.00 for a 30-day supply. I just bought the flush-free niacin, been taking them now for a week, and still no flushing or felt no different. I have no problems so far with them. As soon as I have my blood test again, I will let you know how they did for me."

• bew...
• February 13, 2011

For High Cholesterol "I've been on Niaspan for about 2 months, and it has been like a miracle medicine for my condition. I suffer from ulcers really bad on my fingers. Before starting the Niaspan, I had ulcers on every finger on both hands (very, very painful). I was on pain medications constantly, however, I'm now off the pain medications since last week. Ulcers are drying up tremendously. The flushing is awful, the burning and itching are hard to describe. I called my doctor, and he said we can try something else, but this is working, and I'm trying to hang with it."

• bad...
• October 27, 2010

For High Cholesterol "I've been taking it for five years now. I've only had one episode of flushing since starting this medication. I took a Zantac at the same time as the 2000 mg Niaspan, and I woke up feeling like I was on fire. But I've had no problems since then."

• Nic...
• March 10, 2015

For Hyperlipoproteinemia "I must be really rare because my condition is low cholesterol. My body does not produce enough niacin. My bad cholesterol is at a normal range, so are my lipids. I have been on Niaspan for at least 6 years. My cholesterol levels have been steady since. I am at the maximum dose of 2000 mg a day. The only problem with it is the flushing. I hate it! I take it at night with a bowl of cereal and a 325 mg Entrophen to reduce the flushing."

• 42a...
• January 16, 2015

For High Cholesterol "I have been taking 1500 mg at bedtime for about 4 years. It has lowered my cholesterol some, but I'm also taking Zetia and Crestor too at this time. (I have familial high cholesterol about 380.) I have flushing, but it is mild compared to regular niacin, which I could never tolerate. Flushing is worse if I forget and skip a day. Drinking water helps with the flushing."