Niaspan (Niacin): Does it Aid Weight Loss & Manage Cholesterol?

Niaspan, a fairly new prescription drug developed by Kos Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has been on the pharmaceutical market of the United States for 12 years. It is patented as an extension of niacin, a vitamin B supplement.

Fact

• Niaspan helps promote healthy arteries by lowering the level of your bad cholesterol (LDL) and elevating the level your good cholesterol (HDL).

Purpose

• Niaspan is used to treat patients with high cholesterol who cannot lower their cholesterol levels by following a moderate low-fat diet and an exercise regime.

Diet and Exercise

• Doctors encourage patients to continue to follow a low-fat diet and to exercise so the drug can be more effective in improving cholesterol levels.

Weight Loss

• Patients may lose weight if they follow a low-fat diet and exercise while taking Niaspan. However, patients will not lose weight taking Niaspan alone.

Healthy Lifestyle

• Though Niaspan helps lower cholesterol levels, it does not help you lose weight. However, living a healthy lifestyle by exercising and eating right can help you lose weight and eventually improve your cholesterol levels, thus nullifying the need to continue taking Niaspan.