Toxic doses symptoms and conditions

I am currently 58 years old and lead a very active, healthy lifestyle. I began taking 10mg of Zocor, along with 1000mg of niacin in the summer of 2004 to reduce cholesterol (251) and triglycerides (571). The therapy dramatically improved my blood tests, however, within 6 weeks, I began to experience minor chronic skin infections, both fungal and bacterial. They were easily controlled with topical over the counter type medications, but they were annoying. At no time was this new condition linked to the statin/niacin therapy by my doctor(s). The infections became progressively worse over the next 3 years, and evolved into chronic folliculitis in my scalp, neck, and face, cystic acne, and persistent fungal infections that were becoming more difficult to control. In addition, I began to get chronic eye infections. It was as if my immune system was becoming ineffective. I stopped taking niacin in December of 2007 and the symptoms immediately lessened. I stopped taking Zocor in March of 2008 and within 2 weeks, all the skin problems and eye infections completely ended. My health was restored completely and I am glad to have put that whole mess behind me! I have been taking Omega 3 supplements to control my cholesterol and triglycerides and have had results that equaled the Zocor and Niacin therapy, with cholesterol at 160, triglycerides at 91, and a favorable HDL/LDL ratio. My physician is skeptical, but I know that my body was not functioning correctly with the statin/niacin treatment. I have found anecdotal reports from others who seem to have experienced a change in their immune system, but no mention of this as a side effect by the medical establishment.

The hard truth about sustained release niacin ( NIASPAN) The Drug Niaspan will raise your HDL, but the prescribing physician won't tell you that this drug has one of the highest drop out rates. The reason? The side effects are unbearable for most people.

The posting below states that "Niaspan WILL save your life" Not true! The niaspan website fully admits that Niaspan is not to be taken to prevent a heart attack if you have never had one. So far there is no proof that Niaspan will prevent a cardiac event. But there is proof it will alter your blood lipids.

Niaspan can damage your liver. That is why liver function tests are routinly done for those taking the drug. It is toxic doses of Vitamin B3 which results in the horror stories you read in this.
Niaspan can damage your muscles. Taking this and other cholesterol lowering drugs only add to your health risks.

Be smart. Eat right and exercise. Its the best thing you can do for your health.

Good luck.