Acipimox is used on its own or together with other medicines to lower your cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood.
Excessive cholesterol and triglycerides in your body can clog up your blood vessels. This can lead to many health problems such as stroke and heart diseases, including heart attack.
Acipimox is meant to be taken as part of a complete cholesterol management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Take Acipimox exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Acipimox must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- stomach or bowel ulcer
- severe kidney disease
as Acipimox may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Acipimox, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not take Acipimox if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- active bleeding
- heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- liver disease
- mild to moderate kidney disease
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Your doctor may need to perform blood tests (e.g. liver or kidney function, cholesterol levels) before you take Acipimox and thereafter depending on your doctor's advice.
What lifestyle changes should I make to reduce my cholesterol levels?
A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are keys to help you reduce your cholesterol levels. Try to control the type and amount of food that you eat each meal. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and avoid eating fried foods or foods that are high in fat. If you have not been exercising, start slow and gradually step up your exercise capacity.
Acipimox may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, indigestion, weakness, muscle and joint pain, dry eyes, rashes, itching, and flushing.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- persistent muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps, weakness or numbness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking other cholesterol-lowering medicines such as simvastatin, and fenofibrate.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
