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HDL Benefit

Brand names: B-3-50 (endur-acin), Heliocare Advanced (flush-free niacin), Niacin SR, and Heliocare.
Drug class: Miscellaneous Antihyperlipidemic Agents

What is HDL Benefit?

HDL Benefit lowers blood levels of "bad cholesterol" (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides and increases levels of "good cholesterol" (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).Niaspan can be used to reduce the risk of a heart attack for people with high blood cholesterol who also have a history of heart attacks. Niaspan may be combined with other cholesterol medicines to reduce the accumulation of fatty deposits within your arteries.HDL Benefit can be used in other ways than those listed in the medication guide.

Side effects of HDL Benefit

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

HDL benefits may cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Heart attack symptoms include chest pain, pressure or pain that spreads to your shoulder or jaw, nausea, and sweating.
  • High sugar; increased thirst; increased urination; dry mouth; fruity breath smell;
  • Unexplained muscle tenderness, pain, or weakness
  • A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
  • Heartbeats irregular;
  • Severe warmth or redness beneath your skin
  • Vision problems or other eye disorders
  • Jaundice

Some of the common side effects associated with HDL benefits include:

  • Flushing (a sudden feeling of warmth, redness, or tingling sensation);
  • Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • Abnormal liver function tests
  • Rashes and itching are examples of dry skin.
  • Cough;
  • Skin discoloration;

There may be other side effects. For medical advice related to side effects, always seek medical advice from your doctor first. For reporting side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, ezetimibe, lipitor, fenofibrate, and Crestor

Warnings

HDL Benefit is not recommended if you suffer from severe liver diseases or an ulcer in the stomach.

Before you take this drug

HDL benefits should not be taken if:

  • Severe liver disease
  • A stomach ulcer;
  • Active bleeding.

Inform your doctor if any of the following occur:

  • Liver disease
  • Kidney problems;
  • Heart disease (chest pain);

HDL benefits may harm an unborn child. HDL benefits may not be available to you during pregnancy.As soon as you become pregnant, inform your physician immediately.Breastfeeding is not recommended.Do not administer this medicine to an infant without consulting a doctor.

How to take HDL Benefit?

Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Following the directions on the label.HDL benefits may cause flushing, which is a feeling of warmth, itchiness, redness, or tingling under the skin. As you continue to take the medication, these effects will disappear. If you drink hot drinks or alcohol shortly after taking the medicine, it may make your flu symptoms worse.Do not open, crush, chew or break the capsule.If you change the brand, strength or form of a medicine, your dose requirements may be different. Use only the strength and form prescribed by your doctor to avoid medication errors.Talk to your doctor about restarting HDL Benefit if you have stopped taking it for any period of time. You may have to start the medication again at a reduced dose.Tell your doctor that you are using HDL Benefit. HDL Benefits should be mentioned to any doctor you see.HDL benefits may be part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes diet, exercise, and weight management. You should closely monitor your diet, medications, and exercise regimens.To prevent flushing, your doctor may prescribe aspirin (or an NSAID such as Advil or Aleve). Use these medications as prescribed by your doctor.Keep it away from heat and moisture at room temperature, and store it securely.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of a medicine at the same time.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect a poisonous situation or seek immediate medical treatment.

What should be avoided?

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage and also affect the effects of niacin.You could feel dizzy if you rise quickly from sitting or lying down.The HDL benefit is not as effective if you eat foods that are high in cholesterol or fat.

Interaction with other drug

HDL Benefit should be taken at least 4 hours prior to or after taking colesevelam.

Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:

  • Other medicines that lower cholesterol or triglycerides
  • Aspirin;
  • Blood pressure medicine;
  • A blood thinner: warfarin Coumadin Jantoven

This list is incomplete. HDL benefits may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines and vitamin and herb products. This list does not include all drug interactions.