Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use NI Odan (Niacin).
Bleeding: NI Odan (Niacin) may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.
Diabetes: People with diabetes may experience higher fasting blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, your doctor may ask you to monitor your blood sugar more frequently and report any changes in your usual blood sugar patterns to your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust the doses of your diabetes medications.
Fluid retention: NI Odan (Niacin) may cause fluid retention and swelling, possibly worsening high blood pressure, Congestive Heart Failure, or decreased heart function. If you have these conditions, discuss with your doctor how NI Odan (Niacin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of NI Odan (Niacin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you develop shortness of breath; fatigue; excessive weight gain; chest pain; or swelling of the legs, feet, or ankles while taking NI Odan (Niacin), consult your doctor immediately.
Flushing: Some people taking NI Odan (Niacin) extended release may experience flushing, usually at the start of treatment or when the dose is increased. The flushing usually occurs during the first 8 weeks of treatment and will become milder and less frequent as treatment continues. Flushing usually occurs within 2 to 4 hours after taking a dose and may last a few hours.
Taking the medication at bedtime with a low-fat snack will help you deal with flushing by making it more likely to happen while you are asleep. If flushing wakes you up at night, get up slowly, especially if you are feeling faint or dizzy or if you are taking blood pressure medications.
Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, or hot drinks around the time you take NI Odan (Niacin) extended release, as these may increase flushing. If flushing is bothersome, your doctor may recommend that you take acetylsalicylic acid (Asa), if this is appropriate for you, up to 30 minutes before taking NI Odan (Niacin) extended release.
Gout: NI Odan (Niacin) may cause increased levels of uric acid in the blood, causing flare-ups of gout. If you have gout, discuss with your doctor how NI Odan (Niacin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of NI Odan (Niacin), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any joint pain, joint swelling, or warmth to your doctor immediately.
Heart problems: If you have unstable Angina or other heart conditions, discuss with your doctor how NI Odan (Niacin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of NI Odan (Niacin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease and reduced kidney function may cause NI Odan (Niacin) to build up in the body and cause an increase in side effects. If you have kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how NI Odan (Niacin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of NI Odan (Niacin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver disease: On rare occasions, liver damage has occurred in people taking NI Odan (Niacin). If you have liver disease or a large alcohol intake you should be closely monitored by your doctor while taking NI Odan (Niacin) extended release. People with severe or unexplained liver disease should not take NI Odan (Niacin) extended release.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Restarting the medication: If you need to restart the medication after you have not taken it for a long period of time, check with your doctor first. You may need to restart treatment at a lower dose and gradually increase the dose over time.
Serious warnings and precautions: If you were previously taking another NI Odan (Niacin) tablet, do not start extended-release NI Odan (Niacin) at the same dose. You must start with a lower dose of extended release NI Odan (Niacin) and gradually increase your dose as directed by your doctor.
Do not substitute one NI Odan (Niacin) product for another; improper substitution can cause severe liver disorders.
Stomach problems: NI Odan (Niacin) may cause stomach problems such as ulcers or bleeding. If you have stomach problems, discuss with your doctor how NI Odan (Niacin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of NI Odan (Niacin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Call your doctor immediately if you notice signs such as stomach or abdominal pain, black tarry stools, or vomiting blood. Using acetylsalicylic (ASA) to reduce flushing caused by NI Odan (Niacin) may increase the risk of stomach problems.
Pregnancy: NI Odan (Niacin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking NI Odan (Niacin), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: NI Odan (Niacin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking NI Odan (Niacin) extended release, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using NI Odan (Niacin) have not been established for children.
