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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should I Ask To Go On A Standard Niacin Product Instead?

I have been taking statins for years with great results and no liver issues. I stopped taking them for some time to see if I could manage via diet and exercise. Blood work was not good so I went back on 1/2 the dose I was taking. Blood work showed great results again but my liver numbers spiked ALT 115 and AST 53. Doctor took me off the statin and put me on fish oil and Slow release Niacin product so see if it would help my cholesterol and get my liver back in line for another test in 3 months. I have read that the slow release Niacin product has been shown to cause liver damage. Should I be worried? Should I ask to go on a standard Niacin product instead?
Tue, 18 Aug 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
After reading the description, it appears that you have been put on 'controlled-release' Niacin for 3 months, till you go for another test.
Use of it is contraindicated if you have liver problems, unexplained abnormal liver function tests, a stomach ulcer, or a certain bleeding problems.
It is better to take any form of Niacin product with careful and timely monitoring of your liver function test, at least once a month, as you already have face alterations in ALT and AST levels.
Kindly consult your doctor and take proper suggestions in this regard.
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Should I Ask To Go On A Standard Niacin Product Instead?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. After reading the description, it appears that you have been put on controlled-release Niacin for 3 months, till you go for another test. Use of it is contraindicated if you have liver problems, unexplained abnormal liver function tests, a stomach ulcer, or a certain bleeding problems. It is better to take any form of Niacin product with careful and timely monitoring of your liver function test, at least once a month, as you already have face alterations in ALT and AST levels. Kindly consult your doctor and take proper suggestions in this regard.