sandsprite
07-30-2008, 11:31 PM
Hi I recently went off statins after 7 years because of side effects. I've started on niaspan and have titrated up to 2000 mg a day. My cholesterol has gone up 30 points since I started the niaspan. My doctor is telling me to increase the niaspan to 3000mg a day. This just seems like lot. Anybody out there on that high a dose? Does anyone know of a cheaper alternative to the niaspan? Does it take a long time for the niaspan to work? I'm wondering if its worth it if my cholesterol is going up! Thanks for al lyour advice!
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namelessme
07-31-2008, 12:57 PM
Your doctor recommended 3 grams of Niaspan? I think that is higher than the manufacturer's upper limit. For extended release niacin, I thought 2 grams was the limit, while for immediate release, 3 grams or more.
Anyway, so long as he checks your liver and you report any unusual side effects, it'd probably be okay. But if you want a cheaper alternative, ask him if you can just take immediate release niacin instead. You'll get more of a flush, but you can pick it up cheap over-the-counter. Another alternative is Slo-Niacin, which is cheaper than Niaspan.
But don't do any of these without checking with your doctor first. And you say your cholesterol has gone up 30 pts, but is it primarily from LDL or HDL rising? If your HDL has gone up, that is beneficial.
Anyway, so long as he checks your liver and you report any unusual side effects, it'd probably be okay. But if you want a cheaper alternative, ask him if you can just take immediate release niacin instead. You'll get more of a flush, but you can pick it up cheap over-the-counter. Another alternative is Slo-Niacin, which is cheaper than Niaspan.
But don't do any of these without checking with your doctor first. And you say your cholesterol has gone up 30 pts, but is it primarily from LDL or HDL rising? If your HDL has gone up, that is beneficial.