Niaspan FCT is a medication containing niacin, also known as vitamin B-3. In therapeutic doses, FCT has antihyperlipidemic effects, meaning it lowers cholesterol. Together with a bile acid-binding resin, you can use FCT used to manage the progression of atherosclerosis. Additionally, you can use FCT to treat severe hypertriglyceridemia.
Niaspan FCT
Niaspan FCT stands for niacin extended-release film coated tablets. Sepracor Pharmaceuticals manufactures the drug in 500, 750 and 1,000 mg tablets. The active ingredient in FCT is niacin, also called nicotinic acid. The manufacturer indicates that FCT is used in conjunction with an adequate diet to decrease total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and triglyceride levels. Additionally, the manufacturer indicates that FCT is used to increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia when an appropriate diet and other nonpharmacologic therapies have not worked.
Mechanism of Action
Curent clinical evidence has not clearly defined FCT's mechanism of action. However, the mechanism of action may involve preventing the release of free fatty acids from your adipose tissue and increased lipoprotein lipase activity. These actions may in turn increase the rate of triglyceride removal from your plasma. According to the manufacturer's prescribing information, niacin decreases your liver's rate of synthesis of very-low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein. Both VLDL and LDL are types of lipoprotein that enable your body to transport cholesterol and triglycerides within your bloodstream. At the same time, FTC does not appear to change fecal excretion of fats, bile acids or sterols.
Indications
The adult treatment panel, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence clinical guidelines, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association recommend nicotinic acid for persons at a high risk of developing cerebro-cardio-vascular events such as strokes or heart attacks. Nicotinic acid can help to lower your triglyceride levels if you take statins. Statins are a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol. Sepracror also states that FCT is only one part of multiple risk factor intervention for persons at an increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease due to high cholesterol.
Precautions, Contraindications and Interactions
You should not take Niaspan FCT if you have known allergies to niacin or any component of FCT. Additionally, you should not take FCT if you have an active liver disease, unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases, an active peptic ulcer or active bleeding. If you switch from other types of niacin or nicotinic acid to FCT, you start with a low dose of FCT. Alcohol or hot drinks taken at the same time as FCT may worsen drug's flushing response and skin disorders such as dry skin that causes itching. Additionally, FCT can cause a drop in your blood pressure due to changes in your body position or posture. Further, you should wait at least four to six hours after ingesting bile acid-binding resins before taking FCT.
