Can I Use Niaspin Instead Of Slo- Niacin?

Posted on Thu, 3 Oct 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 3 Oct 2013 Answered on

Fri, 25 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I need to know if generic slo-niacin is as consistent in its content of active ingredients as prescription Niaspin? My main concern is my insurance will pay for Niaspin but not slo- niacin. Thanks. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Nsah Bernard (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
They contain same generic ingredient

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for posting on XXXXXXX

Slo-niacin or Niacin (nicotinic acid) is used to prevent and treat niacin deficiency (pellagra) and niaspin has the same component. Both medications are used to treat the same conditions. Niacin is also known as vitamin B3, one of the B-complex vitamins.
Niaspin and Slo-niacin are brand names while niacin is the generic name. Niacin comes in 20mg dose.
Well I do not know your insurance's policy but I do believe that they obey the doctor's prescription so I should not take it hard on them but for some reason if you wanted to get slo-niacin then it is best you get a doctor's prescription for it and if you have, then just present it to them and they will be able to pay.

Hope this helps and wish you the best.
Dr. Nsah

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar