Question: I am taking niacin, and Crestor, to lower my cholesterol. Is that combination safe?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:

Yes. But you should know that niacin is no longer recommended as a first-line therapy when using statins. This is mainly due to adverse drug interactions that can occur and concern that niacin often carries more risks than benefits for people on statin therapy.

It would be wiser to use Crestor with appropriate dietary management, including a high-fiber, low-fat diet, to manage your cholesterol.

Also, the addition of fish oil to your diet, whether by prescription Lovaza or supplements made from a pure source of purified fish oil supplement, can provide results superior to niacin use, especially when used with an appropriate new generation statin such as Crestor.