Niacin is a B-complex vitamin that can be prescribed at higher doses to act as a cholesterol-lowering medication. It can be used alone or in combination with other statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) or diets to treat both high cholesterol and fatty substance levels in the blood while increasing high-density lipoproteins (“good cholesterol”). Niacin is also thought to reduce the risk of heart attack caused by high cholesterol.

Niacin is currently sold under the brand names Niacor, Niaspan, and Slo-Niacin, and is also available in the form of tablets and extended-release tablets.

Niacin is used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride (a fat-like substance) levels in your blood. This can help reduce the risk of a heart attack in those with high cholesterol and could help to prevent pancreatitis and worsening of atherosclerosis (buildup of cholesterol and fats in the blood vessel walls), which are both diseases that can be caused or worsened by high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels.

Niacin can also be prescribed to help patients with pellagra, a disease that can occur if there is not enough niacin or tryptophan in your diet.

High cholesterol is extremely common and impacts more than 3 million people per year. Although it can be caused by genetic factors, common causes of high cholesterol include eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol. For that reason, it is often recommended that cholesterol-lowering medicine such as niacin be used along with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and other lifestyle changes to help lower high cholesterol levels in the blood.

Common side effects of niacin include skin flushing (increased redness and warmth), diarrhea, or increased cough.

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are among the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as yellowed skin or eyes, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, hives, dizziness, dark-colored urine, or light-colored stools while taking niacin.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with niacin. This includes statins like atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin. Niacin can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects.

In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Niacin can come in the form of tablets and extended-release tablets. Although usage will vary depending on the age of the patient and their body weight, the tablet usually is taken two to three times a day with meals, and the extended-release tablet is usually taken once a day (typically at night time). Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of niacin without consulting with your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

Niacin should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Although niacin supplements can be purchased over-the-counter, niacin medication is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not niacin is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for niacin to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.