Nicotonic acid modified release tabs (Niaspan®)

Following a resubmission.

Nicotinic acid modified release tablet (Niaspan®) is not recommended for use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of dyslipidaemia, particularly in patients with combined mixed dyslipidaemia, characterised by elevated levels of low-density-lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and triglycerides and low high-density-lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, and in patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia, either in combination with a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin), when the cholesterol lowering effect of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor monotherapy is inadequate or as monotherapy in patients who do not tolerate HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Niaspan® increases HDL cholesterol, reduces triglycerides and to a lesser extent reduces LDL cholesterol. There is no clinical trial evidence that Niaspan® reduces the occurrence of long-term cardiovascular events in patients who have acceptable LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and low HDL (isolated low HDL). The economic case has not been demonstrated.