What is an Icosapent?
When combined with other medications (such as statins), Icosapent can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of heart disease that require hospitalization.
Icosapent can be used in conjunction with a diet low in fat and cholesterol to reduce triglycerides.There is no evidence that icosapent reduces your risk of pancreatitis.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Icosapent.
Side effects of Icosapent
Seek immediate medical care if you have any of these symptoms: difficulty breathing, swelling in your face, lips, throat, or tongue.
Icosapent may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- If you experience chest discomfort, fainting, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath,
- Serious bleeding.
Side effects of icosapent include:
- Joint or muscle pain
- Constipation;
- Swelling of the legs or feet, hands, or arms
- Feeling short of breath, chest pressure, or racing heartbeats.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You should read the entire label and package instructions before taking your medicine. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you may have, allergies and medications that you take.
Take this medication only if you have been prescribed it.
If you have an allergy to icosapent, then it is best not to use it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Liver disease
- Diabetes;
- A thyroid disorder
- Pancreas problems;
- A bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
- You may be allergic to fish or shellfish.
Unknown is whether icosapents can harm an unborn child. Tell your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant.
Icosapent may pass through breast milk and harm your child. You should tell your doctor if breastfeeding is a possibility.Icosapent should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take an icosapent?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Take with food.The capsule should not be opened, crushed, cheated or broken.You will require frequent blood tests.
Icosapent may be part of a comprehensive treatment programme that includes diet, exercise, and weight management. You should closely monitor your diet, medications, and exercise regimens.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Usual adult dose for hypertriglyceridemia:
Orally, 2 g twice daily with food
Comments:
Limitations: It has not yet been established whether this drug increases the risk of pancreatitis among patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia.
Uses:
As an adjunct to diet in severe hypertriglyceridemia (500 mg/dl and greater).
As an adjunct to maximally tolerable statin therapy in order to reduce the risk for myocardial ischemia, stroke, coronary bypass surgery, and unsteady angina that requires hospitalization when patients have elevated TG (150 mg/dl) and established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus with at least two additional risk factors.
Usual Adult Dose for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction:
Orally, 2 g twice daily with food
Comments:
Limitations: It has not been established whether this drug increases the risk of pancreatitis among patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia.
Uses:
As an adjunct to a diet in order to lower triglyceride levels (TG) for patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (500 mg/dl and greater).
As an adjunct to maximally tolerable statin therapy in order to reduce the risk for myocardial ischemia, stroke, unstable angina, and hospitalization of patients with high TG levels (150 mg/dl and higher) AND established cardiovascular diseases OR diabetes mellitus, as well as at least two additional risk factors.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid foods high in cholesterol or fat. If you don't follow a diet that lowers cholesterol, Icosapent won't be as effective at lowering cholesterol.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:
- A blood thinner: warfarin Coumadin Jantoven
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may also affect icosapent. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
