Effect of Niacin ER/Lovastatin on Peak Walking Time & Claudication Onset Time in Patients With Intermittent Claudication

The purpose of this study is to evaluate if Niacin ER/Lovastatin, at two different doses, compared to diet control (this group will receive a tablet containing 50 mg. of immediate-release niacin) is a safe and effective medicine in subjects with leg pain caused by a narrowing of their leg arteries, a condition called intermittent claudication. At least 366 subjects with leg pain caused by a narrowing of their leg arteries will participate in this study. Niacin ER/Lovastatin is a combination of two FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) approved cholesterol modifying medications: Niaspan® (extended-release niacin) and lovastatin, a statin (the same medicine found in Mevacor®). Niacin ER/Lovastatin was approved by the FDA under the name of Advicor® for use in the treatment of elevated cholesterol. The use of Niacin ER/Lovastatin in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease and symptomatic relief of intermittent claudication is considered investigational. An investigational use is one that is not approved by the FDA.