Warning: On August 8, 2001, Bayer Pharmaceutical Division
voluntarily withdrew Baycol (cerivastatin) from the U.S. market because of reports of
sometimes fatal rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle adverse reaction from this
cholesterol-lowering (lipid-lowering) product. Bayer is taking similar action in all other
countries except Japan.
Cerivastatin is used to lower elevated blood
cholesterol and triglyceride levels when
low-fat diets and lifestyle changes are
ineffective. It is in a family of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Niacin
|
| Depletion or interference |
None known
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
| Adverse interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Niacin
Some sources have reported that taking niacin together with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may
result in serious muscle damage.1 However, niacin has also been used in combination
with statin drugs without ill effects, and has been found to enhance the cholesterol-lowering
effect of these drugs.2 3 Persons taking cerivastatin or any other
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor should consult with their doctor before taking niacin.
References:1. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale,
NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 675–7.
2. Davignon J, Roederer G, Montigny M, et al. Comparative efficacy and
safety of pravastatin, nicotinic acid and the two combined in patients with
hypercholesterolemia. Am J Cardiol 1994;73:339–45.
3. Jacobson TA, Jokubaitis LA, Amorosa LF. Fluvastatin and niacin in
hypercholesterolemia: a preliminary report on gender differences in efficacy. Am J
Med 1994;96(suppl 6A):64S–8S.