Inositol hexanicotinate is one of three forms of vitamin B-3, also known as niacin. The use of this vitamin supplement may help reduce your low-density lipoprotein levels, or LDL, commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Reducing your LDL levels may help to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Your physician may recommend taking a niacin inositol hexanicotinate supplement. There are some side effects associated with taking this supplement.
Ulcers
Because doctors frequently recommend large doses of niacin inositol hexanicotinate in order to lower your LDL levels, the vitamin supplement may produce sores or ulcers in your stomach, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Called peptic ulcers, they can cause severe pain. MayoClinic.com reports that peptic ulcers may also cause vomiting that contains blood, blood in your stools, changes in your appetite and an unplanned loss of weight. If your doctor has prescribed niacin inositol hexanicotinate for you, she will monitor both your potential for ulcers and any possible damage to your liver. For this reason, you should keep your doctor apprised of your ingestion of niacin inositol hexanicotinate.
Flushing
The most common and non-serious side effect associated with any form of niacin, including niacin inositol hexanicotinate, is a sensation of sudden warmth in your skin called flushing. Flushing may turn your skin to a shade of red, almost as though you blush. Flushing also may produce sudden sweating. Although some people have claimed niacin inositol hexanicotinate as a non-flushing niacin, little evidence of that exists, RxList.com reports. Flushing should cease as you continue to take niacin inositol hexanicotinate supplements.
Edema
Edema, also known as swelling, may occur in your body when you take niacin inositol hexanicotinate supplements, Patient UK reports. This may occur specifically in your ankles. It does not constitute a serious problem unless the swelling remains after a few days. Swelling in your body can mean a health issue exists and you will need to speak to your doctor.
Gastric Problems
Generally, many people taking niacin inositol hexanicotinate will experience mild gastric disturbances simply because of the introduction of the new substance into the body. You may feel nauseous, primarily. You also may develop hiccups or burp more than usual, RxList.com reports. These side effects classify as non-serious and should stop on their own.
Pain
You may get a headache or two when you first start using niacin inositol hexanicotinate supplements. Headaches may occur while your body tries to adjust to having the substance within it. They should dissipate as you use the supplement more.
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