If you have high triglyceride levels, your doctor might suggest Vascepa as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used to:

Vascepa is a capsule that you swallow. It is available in two strengths. Icosapent ethyl is an active ingredient in Vascepa. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Vascepa is usually taken long term. If you take it to reduce the risk of stroke and certain heart problems, you’ll likely take it with a statin medication.

For more information about Vascepa, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article.

Vascepa can cause mild to serious side effects. Continue reading to learn more.

Some people may experience side effects during their Vascepa treatment. The drug has reported side effects that are more common.

The side effects explained section will give you more information about this side effect.

Mild side effects have been reported with Vascepa.

The side effects explained section will give you more information about this side effect.

“These side effects should be temporary. Some may be easy to manage. If you have any symptoms that bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Unless your doctor recommends it, don’t stop taking Vascepa.”

Vascepa may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Vascepa, visit MedWatch.

Vascepa has been reported with serious side effects.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Vascepa, call your doctor. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call the emergency number.

The side effects explained section will give you more information about this side effect.
†An allergic reaction is possible after taking Vascepa. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

Answers to some common questions about Vascepa are available.

Is hair loss a side effect of Vascepa?

No, Vascepa isn’t known to cause hair loss. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Vascepa. But hair loss can be a side effect of certain other medications you may take with Vascepa, such as statins and fibrates.

If you have hair loss, talk to your doctor. They can look into the possible cause.

Does Vascepa cause any side effects of the liver?

Liver side effects weren’t reported in studies of Vascepa. But if you already have a problem with your liver, Vascepa could possibly affect your liver function. And high triglyceride levels, which Vascepa treats, can increase your risk of liver disease. Liver problems can also be a side effect of other drugs you may take with Vascepa, such as statins or fibrates.

Your doctor may order blood tests to check your liver function while you’re taking Vascepa. But if you develop symptoms of a new or worsening problem with your liver, see your doctor. These symptoms may include:

Can taking Vascepa result in erectile dysfunction?

No, it’s not likely. Erectile dysfunction wasn’t reported in studies of Vascepa.

Erectile dysfunction is a common symptom of heart disease. It’s also a common symptom of conditions that are risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. You can take Vascepa if you have one of these conditions.

If you have a new or worsening erection while taking Vascepa, talk to your doctor. They can look into the possible cause.

Does Vascepa cause diarrhea?

It might. Diarrhea wasn’t reported in studies of Vascepa, but there have been reports of this side effect since the drug came on the market. It’s unclear though how often this has happened or if Vascepa was the cause.

If you have a problem with your stools, talk to your doctor. They can help determine the cause and recommend treatment.

Vascepa may cause some side effects.

Joint pain

Vascepa can sometimes cause pain or aching in your joints. It can also cause gout, a form of arthritis (joint swelling) that mainly affects the joint at the base of your big toe. In studies, joint pain and gout were among the more common side effects reported with Vascepa.

What might help

If you have pain in your joints while taking Vascepa, a massage or stretching may be able to help. Applying a cold pack may help. As your body gets used to the drug, you may find the pain improves.

“Over-the-counter pain relief may help if you have pain that doesn’t go away. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a product.”

If you have a big toe, you should see a doctor. They can determine if you have gout and if it is caused by Vascepa or another factor.

Constipation

You may have constipation while taking Vascepa. In studies, constipation was one of the more common side effects of this drug.

There are symptoms of constipation.

  • passing stools less often.
  • straining to pass stools
  • stools that are dry, hard, or bumpy
  • “You feel like you haven’t emptied your bowels.”

What might help

If you take Vascepa, you may experience some relief from your bicyle. It may help.

  • drink more water.
  • Eating more fiber-rich foods include raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, and bran cereals.
  • Cut down on processed foods.
  • Moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, can be done for 30 minutes a day.

If you have a problem with your bowels, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest a suitable product for taking a laxative for a short time.

Abnormal heart rhythm

Vascepa can sometimes cause atrial fibrillation (AFib) and atrial flutter (AFL), which are kinds of abnormal heart rhythm. AFib and AFL can increase your risk of developing blood clots that could cause a heart attack or stroke.

In studies, AFib and AFL weren’t common with Vascepa. But you may have an increased risk of these side effects if you’ve had AFib or AFL in the past.

There are symptoms of aib and af.

If you have a condition like Vascepa, you may need to be hospitalized.

What might help

If you have any symptoms of a neurological disorder, call your doctor. If your symptoms are life threatening, call the emergency number.

Bleeding

Vascepa can make it harder for your blood to form clots, so it may increase your risk of bleeding. For example, you may be more likely to have minor bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums. Or you may take longer than usual to stop bleeding after an injury. You may also have an increased risk of serious bleeding inside your body.

In studies, minor bleeding was common with Vascepa, but serious bleeding was rare. You may have a higher risk of bleeding if you take certain medications with Vascepa, especially blood thinners. Examples of blood thinners include:

There are some symptoms of serious bleeding inside your body.

  • coughing up blood
  • It may look like coffee grounds.
  • It may look pink or red when you have blood in your urine.
  • Blood in your stool can look red, black, or tar-like.

What might help

If you take other drugs, talk to your doctor about whether Vascepa is right for you. If you are prescribed Vascepa, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new drugs. They can tell you if the combination is safe.

If you have any unusual bleeding, talk to your doctor. If you have bleeding inside your body, you should see your doctor. If your symptoms are life threatening, call the emergency number.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Vascepa can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies. Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

  • There is a skin rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • “It’s usually under your skin, but it can be anywhere.”
  • It can be hard to breathe if you have swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat.

What might help

If you have a mild rash, call your doctor. They may suggest a treatment to help you. Examples include:

  • an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • You apply a product to your skin.

If your doctor confirms you have had a mild allergic reaction to Vascepa, they will decide if you should continue taking it.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should call the emergency number. These symptoms could be life threatening and need immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you have had a serious allergic reaction to Vascepa, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

Take notes on any side effects you are having during your Vascepa treatment. You can share this information with your doctor. This is helpful when you are starting to use a combination of treatments.

Side effect notes can include things.

  • When you had the side effect, what dose of the drug was taking?
  • How soon did you experience the side effect?
  • What are your symptoms?
  • How did it affect your daily activities?
  • What other drugs were you taking?
  • Other information is important to you.

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about Vascepa. If needed, they can use this information to adjust your treatment plan.

If you have certain medical conditions, Vascepa may not be right for you. This is a drug-condition interaction. Vascepa is a good treatment option if you have other factors to consider. Talk to your doctor about your health history before you start taking this drug. Some factors to consider.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Vascepa or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you. Ask them about other treatments that might be better options.

Fish or shellfish allergy. Vascepa is made from fish oil. It’s not known if people who are allergic to fish or shellfish are more likely to have an allergic reaction to Vascepa. If you have a fish or shellfish allergy, talk with your doctor about whether this treatment is right for you.

Atrial fibrillation or flutter. Vascepa can sometimes cause atrial fibrillation (AFib) and atrial flutter (AFL), which are types of abnormal heart rhythm. If you’ve had AFib or AFL in the past, you may have an increased risk of these abnormal heart rhythms with Vascepa. Talk with your doctor about whether this drug is right for you.

Liver problems. If you have a liver problem, Vascepa may affect your liver function. Your doctor may order tests to check your liver function from time to time while you’re taking Vascepa.

Alcohol and Vascepa

Alcohol isn’t known to interact with Vascepa. But if you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe to consume while taking this drug. Vascepa is taken to lower triglyceride levels. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can increase your triglyceride levels.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Vascepa

“Vascepa is not known if it is safe to take during a pregnant woman’s time in the world. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of taking Vascepa.”

Vascepa may pass into breast milk, but it’s not known what effect it might have on a child who’s breastfed. If you’re breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking Vascepa.

Vascepa has some side effects, but they are usually mild. Most people who take Vascepa do not have any serious side effects.

If you have questions about Vascepa, you should talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if this drug is a good choice for you. Some examples of questions you might want to ask.

  • Do I have a high risk of heart rhythm problems with Vascepa?
  • Do other drugs increase my risk of side effects?
  • Does taking Vascepa increase the risk of side effects?

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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.