Is there a generic for Niaspan ER?

I have been using (generic) Nialip 500mg tabs to get a 1000mg dose. I order them from Canada Pharmacy, but other stores sell them. So far they seem fine.

Niaspan ER is extended-release** nicotinic acid. There are alternative preparations, but the only other one that is extended-release is combined with another medication called lovastatin. Niacor and Nicolar are immediate-release nicotinic acid, and Slo-Niacin is sustained release. The cost is often determined by which preparation your medical insurance company has agreed to cover. You may want to check with your doctor to see if you absolutely need the extended-release form, and if not you can consult your pharmacist or call your insurance company to see if one of these other preparations is “formulary,” i.e. your insurance covers it at less cost to you.

**Extended release tablets release a consistent amount of the drug over time, compared to sustained release tablets that release the drug slowly, but not necessarily at a consistent rate.

I have been using a sustained release niacin for four years now since I couldn't afford Niaspan. The brand name is Enduracin from Endurance Products, INC (endur.com). Subjectivly, it feels the same as Niaspan and my labs are the same as with Niaspan. I first learned of it from Kawalski's books. I seems to be the same wax matrix as Niaspan. One interesting sidenote: Their website cites a number of independant research studies by universities, etc. that used their product. Niaspan's only published research is from their own studies that they funded and controlled. FWIW.  Best, Aaron