Manage Side Effects of Triglyceride Medicines

Medically Reviewed by Nayana Ambardekar, MD on April 22, 2023
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
2 min read

You’ve taken a big step to protect your heart by taking medicine. But triglyceride meds can have side effects. Don’t let them take you off course.

Tell your doctor if you have symptoms that bother you or don’t go away. Common side effects include:

Call your doctor right away if you have any of these more severe symptoms:

 

Never switch the type of niacin you take without talking to your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have symptoms that bother you or don’t go away. Common side effects include:

Call your doctor right away if you have any of these more severe symptoms:

  • Breathing problems, such as shortness of breath
  • Lightheadedness or faintness (If symptoms wake you at night, get up slowly so you don’t faint.)
  • Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Swelling
  • Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)

If your face or neck turns red, itches, tingles, or feels warm:

  • Avoid alcohol or hot drinks when you take your niacin pill.
  • Take aspirin or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory med 30 minutes before you take niacin.

Flushing of the face usually goes away after you take the medicine for a few weeks.

Tell your doctor if you have symptoms that bother you or don’t go away. Common side effects include:

  • Burping
  • Joint pain
  • Strange taste in your mouth
  • Upset stomach

Call your doctor right away if you have any of these more severe symptoms:

  • Chest pain
  • Fever, chills, body aches, or flu symptoms
  • Irregular heartbeat

 

Lifestyle changes are a helpful way to address high triglycerides, but sometimes doctors do prescribe medications.

If you have side effects, your first thought might be to stop the medicine. First, talk to your doctor before making any changes in your medications.