Patients should be advised:

• to take NIASPAN® at bedtime, after a low-fat snack. Administration on an empty stomach is not recommended;
• to carefully follow the prescribed dosing regimen, including the recommended titration schedule, in order to minimize side effects (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION);
• that flushing is a common side effect of niacin therapy that usually subsides after several weeks of consistent niacin use. Flushing may vary in severity, may last for several hours after dosing, and will, by taking NIASPAN® at bedtime, most likely occur during sleep; however, if awakened by flushing at night, to get up slowly, especially if feeling dizzy, feeling faint, or taking blood pressure medications;
• that taking aspirin (approximately 30 minutes before taking NIASPAN®) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (e.g., ibuprofen) may minimize flushing;
• to avoid ingestion of alcohol or hot drinks around the time of NIASPAN® administration, to minimize flushing;
• that if NIASPAN® therapy is discontinued for an extended length of time, their physician should be contacted prior to re-starting therapy; re-titration is recommended (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION; Table 13);
• to notify their physician if they are taking vitamins or other nutritional supplements containing niacin or related compounds such as nicotinamide (see DRUG INTERACTIONS);
• to notify their physician if symptoms of dizziness occur;
• if diabetic, to notify their physician of changes in blood glucose;
• that NIASPAN® tablets should not be broken, crushed or chewed, but should be swallowed whole.

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