Q: I am beginning to take Niaspan and it asks to take 1 full strength aspirin before to reduce flushing. I have heard that there are some major side effects to taking aspirin every single day. Is that true and what are they?

A: Niaspan or Niacin is an excellent medication to lower triglicerides and raise your "good" cholesterol, especially if you are taking it in addition to other cholesterol lowering "statin" medications. Taking an aspirin with Niacin is generally a very good idea, as it will help to lower the side effects of the niacin, which can be a very bothersome hotflash one half to one hour after taking the medication.

Other ideas to lower this potential side effect are to take the niacin at night with food. Occasionally a Benadryl or Tylenol PM may be substituted for the aspirin if you can not tolerate aspirin, or have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or acid reflux disease, or are taking other types of blood thinners.

Contact an internist or other primary care physician before starting any of these medications.