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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Niacin?

My friend has been taking Niacine for her thyroid problems but she insists on taking without food. She instructions specifically say to take with a meal. She gets a huge red rash on her chest and gets really hot and sweaty after taking it. She insists that the fat is burning off It makes absolutely no sense and i dont know how to explain to her that she should be following the directions. What does she need to know?
Tue, 4 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

I read your message carefully and understood your concern.

Niacin (or vitamin B-3) supplements may cause a drop of thyroid hormones which helps in hyperthyroidism.

I would like to know if your friend takes other medicines to control the thyroid function. If she/he takes niacin without a doctor's prescription please tell the doctor that you are taking it because it can lead to an extreme reduction of thyroid hormones.

Common side effects of niacin, when taken in the wrong dose (when overdosed) are skin flashing and dry skin. Sometimes nausea, vomiting or diarrhea are present.

Your friend must take care to eat well. Niacin is recommended to be taken at bedtime after a low-fat meal in order to reduce the risks of side effects.

There is no fat burning. Hyperthyroidism may increase the metabolism rate and make you produce more heat, but in this case, it is a problem of the niacin drug side effect or interaction with other drugs your friend may take.

Advise her to a doctor in order to determine better the cause and keep advising your friend to eat healthy.

Hope this was helpful
Dr.Albana
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What Are The Side Effects Of Niacin?

Hello, I read your message carefully and understood your concern. Niacin (or vitamin B-3) supplements may cause a drop of thyroid hormones which helps in hyperthyroidism. I would like to know if your friend takes other medicines to control the thyroid function. If she/he takes niacin without a doctor s prescription please tell the doctor that you are taking it because it can lead to an extreme reduction of thyroid hormones. Common side effects of niacin, when taken in the wrong dose (when overdosed) are skin flashing and dry skin. Sometimes nausea, vomiting or diarrhea are present. Your friend must take care to eat well. Niacin is recommended to be taken at bedtime after a low-fat meal in order to reduce the risks of side effects. There is no fat burning. Hyperthyroidism may increase the metabolism rate and make you produce more heat, but in this case, it is a problem of the niacin drug side effect or interaction with other drugs your friend may take. Advise her to a doctor in order to determine better the cause and keep advising your friend to eat healthy. Hope this was helpful Dr.Albana