Niaspan 500 milligrams is a brand name of niacin, which is used in the treatment of high cholesterol and triglycerides. Niaspan 500 mg is the lowest of three dosing levels of this prescription medicine. Niaspan works to prevent low-density lipoproteins, also called LDL, that has become commonly known as the "bad" cholesterol and fats called triglycerides from blocking your blood vessels.
Waste Elimination Side Effects
The Mayo Clinic reports that if you use Niaspan 500 mg for a long time in the extended-release form, your urine may become darker. Your feces could become gray and light. These are serious side effects. Consult your physician immediately if you experience them.
Abdominal Side Effects
A less common side effect is severe stomach pain, according to the clinic. This can lead to another side effect, which is loss of normal appetite, although they may not be related. Both of these side effects are associated with long-time ingestion of the extended release version of the medication. These are also serious side effects and require immediate consultation with your doctor. You also may experience pain in your abdomen when you first start treatment with Niaspan. This side effect, however, is temporary and should disappear.
Other Side Effects
Another potential side effect of Niaspan may be jaundice in which your skin or your eyes become yellow. Other temporary and non-serious side effects may include a sensation of warmth throughout your body, nasal congestion, skin redness or flushing particularly on your neck or face, a runny nose, a rash on your skin or headache.
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