Dear Dr. Gott: In a past column, you recommended replacing Lipitor with either omega-3 fish oil capsules or niacin.

I have elected to try the niacin. You said to start with 500 milligrams per day, and I have done this for a couple of weeks. Now I want to increase the dosage but don't know what to increase it to.

Should I go to 1,000, 1,500 or 2,000 milligrams? Maybe more? Also, how long should I stay on the niacin?

I would also like to know your opinion on red yeast rice. I have noticed that you don't mention it.

Reply: Niacin is an excellent alternative choice for lowering cholesterol levels.

I often recommend patients start with a low dose of 250 to 500 milligrams daily and then slowly work up to 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams daily, usually in increments of 250 milligrams.

This is primarily to allow the body to get used to the vitamin and to reduce the chance of side effects, namely, flushing.

It is important to have your cholesterol level checked every few months, as well as liver function, to ensure that the niacin is working and not causing any damage.

Some people are very sensitive to niacin and can't tolerate it well. For these people, I recommend omega-3 oils or flaxseed oil.

These do not, to my knowledge, have any side effects, but cholesterol testing is still important to determine whether the treatment is working.

If that fails, try combining therapy such as niacin and flaxseed oil daily. This can also reduce the dosage of the niacin, leading to a smaller incidence of side effects.

As for red yeast rice, I do not recommend it because it is basically a natural form of the drug Mevacor, which is a statin.

It is more likely to cause side effects similar to those of other statins, such as muscle/joint pain and liver damage.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports "Understanding Cholesterol" and "Dr. Gott's Compelling Home Remedies".

Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 (per report) to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092. Be sure mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I have a raised growth on my left eyelid, similar to a wart. Is there any way to remove it? I don't want to go to the hospital or a doctor for this.

Reply: You may have a cyst, skin tag, wart or other harmless lesion. However, because it is on the delicate skin of your eyelid, it should be examined and, if necessary, removed by an ophthalmologist.

Because of the sensitivity of the skin and the risk of permanent damage to the eye, I am not aware of any safe way to remove the growth at home. If you attempt this, you may cause temporary or permanent blindness.

It is best to leave this to the professionals.

Dr. Gott is a retired physician and the author of 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet' and 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook'. Contact him c/o United Media, 200 Madison Avenue., fourth floor, New York, New York 10016.