Niaspan and reaction

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mickjcat
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Niaspan and reaction

Post by mickjcat »

Is anyone else on Niaspan? It is a prescription for Niacin.

I wonder if it is contributing to my D. I notice it is one of the reactions to it. I have been back to between 6-7 on bristol stool chart for a few days. Although, it may be due to trying to lower off of Entocort.....

I also have a rash from my knee caps up to the top of my head, which is where it starts, usually lasting 30 minutes, with itching, prickly heat and heart rate up about 15-20 beats a minute.

Also, I do take a Zyrtec generic, which I notice is a good thing for us, I wondered if taking the Niaspan might diminish the effects of the Zyrtec too?

Thanks in advance for any input..... :???:
Diagnosed with Collagenous Colitis after a 2 month bout of Diarrhea. Confirmed after a biopsy during a colonoscopy.

Mickey
CathyMe.
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Re: Niaspan and reaction

Post by CathyMe. »

mickjcat wrote:Is anyone else on Niaspan? It is a prescription for Niacin.

I wonder if it is contributing to my D. I notice it is one of the reactions to it. I have been back to between 6-7 on bristol stool chart for a few days. Although, it may be due to trying to lower off of Entocort.....

I also have a rash from my knee caps up to the top of my head, which is where it starts, usually lasting 30 minutes, with itching, prickly heat and heart rate up about 15-20 beats a minute.

Also, I do take a Zyrtec generic, which I notice is a good thing for us, I wondered if taking the Niaspan might diminish the effects of the Zyrtec too?

Thanks in advance for any input..... :???:
Hi there...while I'm not taking Niaspan I have taken supplements in the past with Niacin in them and always experience the "Niacin flush", which is a common side effect. I get itchy red blotches all over my arms, face, neck and major flushing in my face. I'm not sure about the D but would say IMHO, it's likely more due to your trying to taper off the Entocort.
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mickjcat
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Post by mickjcat »

Thanks for your input Cathy! I appreciate it..... :wink:
Diagnosed with Collagenous Colitis after a 2 month bout of Diarrhea. Confirmed after a biopsy during a colonoscopy.

Mickey
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Gayle
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Post by Gayle »

Hi Mickey,

If you go to this web-site and find the little illustrated account of "What is Flushing" you will get some good information. Obviously #1 on the "tips" list which is to take 1 Aspirin before taking the Niaspan is not a good idea in your case since NSAIDS are strongly discouraged for persons with MC.

http://www.niaspan.com/about/side-effects/flushing.aspx

Usually they are trying to use niacin products to raise HDL levels. However, this is not the only drug to take for that purpose.

It is kind of tough to distinguish between GI symptoms which the Naispan could be related to, and your MC, especially if you are trying to decrease your Entocort dose at the same time.

When in doubt with your meds :???: talk with your Pharmacist and Doctor about problems you are experiencing. Since all they are trying to do with the Niaspan is manipulate your Cholesterol numbers right now, maybe this could wait a while until your MC is more stable???

CHAO,
:dogrun:
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mickjcat
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Post by mickjcat »

Thanks Gayle,

I looked at the site, and it relieves me to see that it is probably just the normal reaction to Niaspan. I am just trying to pin point my digression, and it probably is my reduced Entocort dosing. I have gone back to 2-1-2-1 dosing also, to see if I stabilize. I am wearing compression hose and my bones will just have to wait for my colon to heal more... :neutral:
Diagnosed with Collagenous Colitis after a 2 month bout of Diarrhea. Confirmed after a biopsy during a colonoscopy.

Mickey
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nancyl
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Post by nancyl »

Mickey,
My cardiologist wanted to put me on niacin, but decided against it saying it would definitely not be a good thing to take with any kind of colitis.

Nancy
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mickjcat
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Post by mickjcat »

Nancy,

Thanks, good to know!
Diagnosed with Collagenous Colitis after a 2 month bout of Diarrhea. Confirmed after a biopsy during a colonoscopy.

Mickey
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Post by garina »

Hi Mickey,

Initially, I took Niaspan 1000mg, but the flushing was too much for me, so he put me on 500mg instead, and that works quite well. I do -rarely- still get a bit of flushing, but nothing I can't handle. I didn't know Niaspan is contraindicated in those with colitis. I will have to check on that.

I don't know about the Zyrtec, but I take Claritin (the one that does not raise BP), and I think it helps with histamine.

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mickjcat
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Post by mickjcat »

Thanks Garina,
I wondered also about the Zytrec being nullified if I take the Niaspan.
Diagnosed with Collagenous Colitis after a 2 month bout of Diarrhea. Confirmed after a biopsy during a colonoscopy.

Mickey
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