Generic For Niaspan

[hbert]

I have found a product off the shelf that says it is extended release Niacin (Nicotinic Acid), see description below.

Can this one be used instead of Niaspan with same dosage and same cholesterol lowering effect?

Doctor's Best, Real Niacin, 500 mg, 120 Tablets

Description

Science-Based Nutrition

Dietary Supplement

(As Nicotinic Acid)

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

8-Hour Extended-Release

No/Low Flush

Suitable for Vegetarians

Real Niacin provides niacin in an 8-hour extended-release form that enables you to enjoy the health benefits of niacin without experiencing the uncomfortable skin flushing that commonly accompanies other forms of niacin. Niacin comprises approximately 200 coenzymes that play pivotal roles in metabolism and energy production within the body. Additionally, research suggests that niacin, in combination with a well-balanced diet, may help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.

Suggested Use

Take one tablet with food, one two times daily or as directed by your physician.

Supplement Facts

Serving Size: 1 tablet

Servings Per Container: 120 servings

Niacin (as nicotinic acid) 500 mg

Other Ingredients:

Stearic acid, carnauba wax, magnesium stearate (vegetable source), silica.

Warnings

Caution: Temporary flushing, itching or warming of the skin may occur upon initial use. If you are under medical supervision, have liver dysfunction, gout, or are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product.

Any info/suggestion highly appreciated..

[PMNL]

It sounds pretty much the same as Niaspan.

It should have the similar effect as Niaspan but I do not think noone can tell for sure.

Look up at the price is as expensive as Niaspan so done get what is the point of getting this not well know/trusted brand.

[hbert]

Thanks for the reply PMNL.

The price difference is quite huge. The Niaspan is ~20thb per capsule and this Doctor's Best Real Niacin I can get at ~13thb per capsule.

I use 4 capsules each day...

I would not like to experiment too much since it is my health that is on the line but if there were one safe, equal effective generic at a lower cost, I would like to know and might try out.

[goatfarmer]

There is a good article on Dr Davis's blog which discusses the dangers of liver toxicity with sustained release niacin and the ineffectiveness of inositol in the flush-free variety:

http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/niacin-scams.html

(The server was down when I posted. PM me if it doesn't reappear.)

You might try ordering from iherb.com. Now Foods Niacin, for example, is a little over one baht per 500mg tab. Not sure if it falls within the 'liver toxic' variety that Dr Davis refers to.

I recently ordered vitamins from iherb. The DHL courier price was only $8. Very good service.

Edited May 27, 2011 by goatfarmer

[jimmym40]

To hbert: Are you using this strictly for lowering your cholesteral? Did you read this, it's in your post:

":Additionally, research suggests that niacin, in combination with a well-balanced diet, may help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range."

Read the end of the sentence: MAY help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels that are ALREADY within the NORMAL range.

So, if you already maintain a healthy cholesterol level, why would you use this?

[hbert]

Well I was prescribed Niaspan as well as Ezetrol by my doctor after my by-pass surgery.

Both are for lowering my cholesterol values.

Unfortunately I am of the type that exercise and diet is not enough to keep my cholesterol levels as they should.

I believe that if I just look at a pizza or a hamburger my cholesterol level rises by 50 points....

My first medication for cholesterol lowering was Crestor, but it had too much side effects for me (muscle pains and allergies) so my doctor suggested this combination treatment instead (together with regular checks of liver values).

[PMNL]

Not sure if I get it right, regarding Niaspan, the manufacturer claim that the tablet can increase HDL.

Is it possible that this brand also claim to maintain the level of healthy cholesterol=HDL at its normal level.