Tolerability of MK0524A Versus Niacin Extended-Release (0524A-054)

A Worldwide, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Parallel Study to Evaluate the Tolerability of MK0524A Versus Niacin Extended-Release

This is a 16-week clinical trial in lipid clinic patients for whom niacin therapy is appropriate to evaluate the tolerability of MK0524A versus niacin extended-release. There will be 6 scheduled clinic visits and 2 treatment groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient is an appropriate candidate for niacin therapy (at risk for heart disease) and triglycerides < 500 mg/dL

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a history of any cardiovascular event directly linked to atherosclerosis with a low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) >/= 130 mg/dL and/or not on a statin
• Patients with diabetes and LDL-C >/= 130 mg/dL. Patients with >/= 2 heart disease risk factors and LDL-C >/= 160 mg/dL.
• Patients who have had a cardiovascular event (e.g., heart attack, stroke) within the previous 3 months.