These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as
recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is
always advised to consult their own physician.
Naicin and Diabetes [posted
1/4/99]
Question: Is it true that 6 grams of niacin a day for 10 years
can bring on diabetes?
Answer: No obvious cause of diabetes mellitus, but can cause liver damage if unmonitored.
Niacin & Neuropathy [posted
11/21/98]
Question: I am taking 2 grams niacin daily combined with 40mg simvastatin. I have
experienced peripheral neuropathy, loose stools and most recently, gout. Can either of
these drugs or this drug combination cause these problems?
Answer: Possibly niacin.
No-flush Niacin
Question: I am taking so-called "no flush" niacin. I have heard that long
term use may have significant deleterious effects on the liver. Is this true? My dosage is
3 grams daily. I also take Zocor and a number of anti-oxidants. My cholesterol level is
236 and I am a phenotype 2B with a history of 2 bypass surgeries.
Answer: Niacin can affect the liver and regular tests of liver function are
necessary about every 3-4 months for the first year and about 6-8 the ensuring years
unless the dosage is increased. Three grams is a heavy dosage. Toxicity usually starts at
about 2 grams, but each individual is different. You shouldn't be taking Zocor with niacin
unless your liver is watched very closely. Is your doctor doing these tests? If not you
need another physician. However, I suspect they are. Make sure to ask about the frequency
and the results.
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