If you have high triglyceride levels, your doctor may recommend Vascepa.

Vascepa is a medication that is prescribed.

  • Lower blood levels of triglycerides in adults with certain conditions.
  • It is possible to lower the risk of heart problems in certain people.

Vascepa is not used to treat pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas that can be caused by high triglycerides. This is because it’s unknown whether Vascepa helps lower the risk of pancreatitis in people with severely high triglycerides.

To learn more about high triglycerides and how Vascepa is used, see the “What is Vascepa used for?” section below.

Vascepa basics

Vascepa is a capsule that you swallow. It contains the active ingredient icosapent ethyl, which is a kind of omega-3 fatty acid. An active ingredient is what makes the drug work.

Vascepa has uses, side effects, and more.

The active ingredient in Vascepa, icosapent ethyl, is also available as a generic version of Vascepa. (An active ingredient is what makes the drug work.) Generic drugs are usually less expensive than brand-name versions.

Talk to your doctor about the generic form of Vascepa.

Vascepa may cause mild or serious side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Vascepa are described in the lists below. All possible side effects are not included in these lists.

Side effects of a drug can depend on other factors.

  • Your age.
  • You have other health conditions.
  • You take other drugs.

Vascepa can have side effects, so your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more. They can suggest ways to reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Vascepa can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or read Vascepa’s prescribing information.

There are some mild side effects of Vascepa.

The side effects of many drugs can be gone in a few days. If they become intolerable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

The side effect is described in the section “Allergic reaction”.

Serious side effects

Vascepa can have serious side effects, but they are not common. If you have serious side effects from Vascepa, you should call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, you should call the emergency number.

Vascepa has been reported to have serious side effects.

The side effect is described in the section “Allergic reaction”.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Vascepa. While allergic reaction wasn’t reported in studies of Vascepa, it can still happen.

A mild allergic reaction can include some symptoms.

A more severe allergic reaction is not uncommon. A severe allergic reaction can cause swelling under your skin, usually in your lips, hands, or feet. They can include swelling of your mouth, throat, and tongue, which can cause trouble breathing.

If you have an allergic reaction to Vascepa, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

Fish oil, which most people get from eating oily fish or taking fish oil supplements, is thought to have certain heart health benefits. This includes lowering high triglyceride levels, which is what Vascepa is used to treat.

Vascepa contains the active ingredient* icosapent ethyl, which is a modified form of an omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Fish oil supplements and oily fish contain EPA and other omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Natural forms of oils from a variety of fish can be found in fish oil supplements. Certain toxins found in fish may be found in certain supplements. Vascepa is not a fish oil.

For more information about how Vascepa compares with fish oil, see this article.

The active ingredient is what makes the drug work.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Vascepa that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form

Vascepa is a capsule that you swallow.

Strengths: 0.5 gram and 1 gram

Vascepa is available in two strengths, one gram and one gram.

Recommended dosage

You will take 4gm of Vascepa per day. You can take four or two 1-gm capsules each day. Vascepa should be taken with food.

Questions about Vascepa’s dosage

“Some questions about Vascepa’s dosage are listed below.”

  • What if I miss a dose of Vascepa? If you miss a dose of Vascepa, take it as soon as you remember. But if you’re close to your next dose, skip the dose entirely and take the next scheduled dose. If you’re unsure when to take Vascepa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not double your dose if you forgot to take Vascepa.
  • Will I need to use Vascepa long term? Yes, you may need to use Vascepa long term. High triglyceride levels can be a long lasting condition. And taking Vascepa long term can help manage triglyceride levels in your blood. If Vascepa is helping to lower your triglyceride levels and doesn’t cause bothersome side effects, your doctor may recommend taking it long term. To find out how long you’ll need to take Vascepa, talk with your doctor.
  • How long does Vascepa take to work? If you’re taking Vascepa to lower your triglyceride levels, it may take a few weeks to work. In studies, researchers saw an improvement in triglyceride levels after 12 weeks. But it can take longer for Vascepa to lower your risk of heart problems.

Vascepa is a prescription medication used to help lower blood levels of triglycerides in adults with certain indications. An indication is a condition that a drug is used to treat.

Vascepa is used in adults.

  • Hypertriglyceridemia (high triglyceride levels). For this purpose, you’ll use the drug together with a low fat diet to help lower triglycerides.
  • High triglyceride levels and either a history of There are heart problems. diabetes plus two or more risk factors for heart problems. In this case, you’ll take the drug with a statin, a medication that decreases cholesterol. This drug combination can help lower your risk of heart problems.

Vascepa works by decreasing the body’s production of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides, a kind of fat produced by the liver. It also helps eliminate this fat from the body.

Vascepa may help decrease your risk of heart problems, but it is not clear how.

In addition, Vascepa is not used to treat pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be caused by high triglycerides. This is because it’s unknown whether Vascepa helps lower the risk of pancreatitis in people with severely high triglycerides.

Find out what the answers are to some questions.

Is Lovaza an alternative to Vascepa?

Yes, in some cases, Lovaza may be used as an alternative to Vascepa. If you have hypertriglyceridemia (high triglyceride levels), your doctor may prescribe Vascepa or Lovaza with a low fat diet to decrease your triglyceride levels. But Vascepa can also It is possible to lower the risk of heart problems in certain people..

Lovaza and Vascepa contain different active ingredients.* Lovaza’s active ingredients are a combination of omega-3 ethyl esters, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Vascepa contains only one kind of omega-3 fatty acid, icosapent ethyl, which is a modified form of EPA.

There are other alternatives for lowering triglyceride levels in people with hypertriglyceridemia.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other alternatives to Vascepa.

An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Does Vascepa cause weight loss or hair loss?

No, Vascepa does not cause weight loss or hair loss. These weren’t reported side effects in studies of Vascepa.

Vascepa may be prescribed by your doctor to help lower your triglyceride levels. Some people may lose weight because of changes in their diet.

Vascepa can cause hair loss if you take statin medications. fibrates may cause hair loss.

If you are concerned about weight loss or hair loss during Vascepa treatment, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help determine the cause of the side effects and recommend treatments that may help.

Is Vascepa fish oil?

Vascepa is not fish oil. It contains a modified version of EPA, a kind of Omega 3 fat found in fish oil.

Omega 3 and other ingredients are found in fish oil. Natural forms of oils from a variety of fish can be found in fish oil supplements. Some toxins found in fish can be found in supplements. Vascepa is not a fish oil.

It is not known if people with allergies to fish or shellfish have an increased risk of allergy. Vascepa is not recommended if you have a history of an allergic reaction to fish. A contraindication is a factor that could prevent your doctor from giving you a drug. If you have allergies to fish or shellfish, you should tell your doctor.

For more about the differences between Vascepa and fish oil, see the “What should I know about Vascepa vs. fish oil?” section above.

Is Vascepa a blood thinner?

No, Vascepa isn’t a blood thinner. But it can block platelets, a kind of blood cell, from bunching up in your blood. When platelets attach to one another, they form blood clots. When platelets cannot do this, your risk of There was bleeding. increases.

It is not certain whether the Vascepa side effect is significant.

If you’re taking blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin (Jantoven), let your doctor know before you start taking Vascepa. They may check you for There was bleeding. during treatment.

What is Vascepa’s mechanism of action?

A mechanism of action is how a drug works. Vascepa works by lowering how much fat your liver produces. Your liver makes very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides, which increases the amount of triglycerides in your blood.

The drug can prevent your body from releasing these triglycerides into your blood and also remove them from your blood.

These actions help lower the amount of triglycerides in people with high levels of this substance, which is one reason why doctors prescribe Vascepa. But Vascepa is also used to It is possible to lower the risk of heart problems in certain people.. It is unclear how Vascepa works for this purpose.

Can Vascepa cause liver-related side effects?

No, liver-related side effects weren’t reported in studies of Vascepa. But the drug may affect your liver function if you already have problems with your liver.

Vascepa is not safe for people with liver problems. Vascepa may be prescribed by your doctor if you have problems with your liver.

Your doctor will check your liver enzymes (a kind of protein) in your blood regularly while you’re taking Vascepa. An increase in liver enzymes may signal that your liver function is getting worse.

Symptoms of liver damage may include:

If you think your health is getting worse, talk to your doctor. Do not stop taking Vascepa without talking to your doctor.

There are many factors that affect the cost of prescription drugs. What your insurance plan covers is one of the factors.

Vascepa is available as the generic drug icosapent ethyl. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. Talk with your doctor if you’d like to know about taking generic icosapent ethyl.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. For a couple of options that may help you save on the cost of Vascepa, visit this site.

You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

Vascepa is a good treatment option if you have certain factors. Specific medical conditions or taking certain medications are possible. Read on to learn more about these factors.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Vascepa, you should tell your doctor about all your medications. You should describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions that may occur while you are taking Vascepa.

The “Warnings” section contains information about drug-condition interactions.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Vascepa can interact with a lot of drugs. These include:

Some drugs that may interact with Vascepa are not on this list. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the interactions that may occur with Vascepa.

Warnings

If you have certain medical conditions, Vascepa may not be right for you. These are drug-condition interactions. Vascepa is a good treatment option if you have other factors to consider.

Before you take Vascepa, talk to your doctor about your health history. The factors to consider are listed below.

Atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Vascepa can cause atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. If you have a history of these heart problems, your risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter occurring with Vascepa increases. Both conditions can increase your risk of forming blood clots, which can cause a stroke or heart attack. Before starting Vascepa, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including any that affect your heart.

Liver problems. If you have liver failure, Vascepa may affect how well your liver functions. If you have liver problems, your doctor may still prescribe Vascepa for you. In this case, they’ll likely monitor your liver function regularly during treatment. If you think your liver function is getting worse during treatment, talk with your doctor immediately.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Vascepa or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Vascepa. Having a history of allergic reactions to icosapent ethyl, any of Vascepa’s other ingredients, or fish is a contraindication of Vascepa. (A contraindication is a factor or condition that could prevent your doctor from prescribing a drug due to risk of harm.)

If you have allergies to fish or shellfish, you should tell your doctor. If you have an allergic reaction to Vascepa, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking it. Ask them what other drugs are better for you.

Bleeding. Some people may have an increased risk of There was bleeding. when taking Vascepa. This risk occurred more often in people taking medications for preventing blood clots, such as warfarin (Jantoven), aspirin, or clopidogrel (Plavix). Before taking Vascepa, tell your doctor about all medications you may be taking. If you think you’re There was bleeding. inside your body, call 911 immediately.

Vascepa and alcohol

Vascepa is not one of the medications that interact with alcohol. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to drink alcohol.

Light to moderate alcohol consumption can lower the amount of triglycerides in your blood. Too much alcohol can increase triglycerides. Many factors contribute to how alcohol affects your triglyceride levels, such as the kind of beverages you drink, your genes, and lifestyle factors.

Ask your doctor how much Vascepa is safe to drink if you consume alcohol.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Vascepa is a drug that is used during pregnancies. If you are pregnant or considering it, tell your doctor.

Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can pass into breast milk. But it’s unknown how the presence of omega-3 fatty acids in breast milk may affect a breastfed child.

If you are considering breastfeeding, tell your doctor. They will help you decide if breastfeeding is worth the risks.

“Your doctor will explain how Vascepa works. They will explain how much to take and how often. Follow your doctor’s instructions.”

Taking Vascepa

You’ll take Vascepa capsules by mouth twice per day with food. For more information about the drug’s dosage, see the “What is Vascepa’s dosage?” section above.

Accessible medication containers and labels

“If you can’t read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies may provide medication labels.”

  • Have a large print.
  • Use the visual aids.
  • You can use a code on a phone to change the text into audio.

“If your current pharmacy doesn’t offer these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a new pharmacy.”

“If you have trouble opening your bottles, please let your doctor know. They may be able to put Vascepa in a container. The drug’s container may be easier to open with the help of your pharmacist.”

Taking Vascepa with other drugs

Your doctor may ask you to take Vascepa with a statin, a drug that helps decrease cholesterol. This drug combination helps lower your risk of heart problems if you have high triglyceride levels and:

  • There are heart problems.
  • diabetes plus two or more risk factors for heart problems

Cholesterol can be examples of t

To lower your risk of heart problems, your doctor may recommend taking aspirin, too. Both aspirin and Vascepa may increase your risk of There was bleeding., so taking them together further increases this risk. If you need to take both drugs, your doctor will check you for There was bleeding. during Vascepa treatment.

Questions about taking Vascepa

Some questions about taking Vascepa are listed below.

  • Can Vascepa be chewed, crushed, or split? No, you can’t chew, crush, or split capsules of Vascepa. You must swallow Vascepa capsules whole. If you’re having trouble swallowing Vascepa, see this article for a few strategies that may help. Your doctor can also give you tips about swallowing pills whole.
  • Should I take Vascepa with food? Yes, you should take Vascepa with food. You can take Vascepa either during your meal or immediately after eating.
  • Is there a best time of day to take Vascepa? There isn’t a best time of day to take Vascepa. But since you need to take it with food, you may find it convenient to take it with breakfast and supper.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Vascepa. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help you.

  • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • How will Vascepa affect my body?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment to make you feel more comfortable.
  • “If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it.”

“Your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. They want you to get the best care possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback on your treatment”

“Don’t take more Vascepa than your doctor tells you to. Taking more than this can cause serious side effects. If you take too much Vascepa, your doctor may watch you for signs of overdose.”

What to do in case you take too much Vascepa

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Vascepa. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have questions about Vascepa, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Understanding how this drug may treat your condition will help you decide if it is a good option for you. Your doctor can tell you about other treatments that are available. Here are a few questions you might want to ask your doctor.

  • Does Vascepa have a bad taste?
  • Do I need to keep Vascepa in the fridge?
  • Can Vascepa cause long-term side effects?

There are more information about treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help lower your triglycerides.

For advice on improving and managing your heart health, subscribe to Healthline’s online newsletter.

Q:

Can I take both fish oil supplements and Vascepa?

Anonymous

A:

Research studying the effects of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements has not confirmed its benefits.

Vascepa is a medication that contains a modified form of fat found in fish. The health benefits of fish oil supplements and Vascepa may be different.

Fish oil supplements are usually safe but may not benefit everyone. And taking fish oil supplements may have risks such as side effects and drug interactions.

“Taking a fish oil supplement with Vascepa won’t improve your triglyceride levels or reduce your risk of heart problems. There is more information on the benefits of Omega 3.”

Talk to your doctor before taking fish oil supplements.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.