MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Results of the SLIM Study ("Slo-Niacin(R) and Atorvastatin Treatment of Lipoproteins and Inflammatory Markers in Combined Hyperlipidemia") were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology. The objective was to study the lipid and anti-inflammatory effects of Slo-Niacin(R) 1.5 g/day and Lipitor(R) (atorvastatin calcium) 10 mg/day, given alone and then together in persons with features of combined hyperlipidemia, high triglycerides, low high-density lipoproteins (HDL - "good cholesterol") and above average low-density lipoproteins (LDL - "bad cholesterol"). The result of the combination therapy was a marked decrease in triglycerides and LDL and a significant increase in HDL. (1)
Heart disease and stroke develop when elevated levels of LDL circulate in the blood and build up in the walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Elevated triglycerides further this process. The result is plaque, a thick, hard deposit that narrows arteries and makes them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. HDL, on the other hand, protects the blood vessels by carrying cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is passed from the body. (2)
Monotherapy with Slo-Niacin(R) decreased median triglyceride levels 15 percent, mean LDL 12 percent and increased HDL 8 percent. Lipitor(R) decreased median triglyceride levels 26 percent, mean LDL 36 percent and increased HDL 6 percent. Combined therapy decreased median triglycerides 33 percent, mean LDL 43 percent and increased HDL 10 percent.
In summary, Slo-Niacin(R) was well-tolerated alone and in combination with Lipitor(R) and benefitted all lipoprotein levels (HDL, LDL, and trigylcerides), as expected of niacin treatment.
Slo-Niacin(R) is economical and often costs less than an insurance copayment. It is widely available at pharmacies and other retailers without a prescription as a dietary supplement. Slo-Niacin(R) is available in three dosage strengths (250 mg, 500 mg and 750 mg) for individual dosing. (3)
For more information contact a healthcare professional, call 1-800-654-2299 or visit www.slo-niacin.com.
References: 1. Knopp, R., Retzlaff, B., Fish, B., Dowdy, A., Twaddell, B., Nguyen, T., & Paramsothy, P. "The SLIM study: Slo-Niacin(R) and Atorvastatin Treatment of Lipoproteins and Inflammatory Markers in Combined Hyperlipidemia." Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 3(3), 167-178 (May 2009). 2. American Heart Association, http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=180, July 14, 2009. 3. Slo-Niacin website, http://www.slo-niacin.com/, July 14, 2009. 4. Brown BG et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med. 2001;345:1583-92.
These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
CONTACT: Kelly Williams of The Reilly Group, +1-773-348-3800 ext. 205,
kellywilliams@thereillygroup.com, for Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.
Web site: http://www.upsher-smith.com/
http://www.slo-niacin.com/
