What is Vascepa?
Vascepa operates in the liver and bloodstream to decrease low-density triglycerides.Vascepa is used in conjunction with other medications (such as statins) to decrease the chance of a cardiac attack, stroke, heart attack, and various types of heart conditions that require hospitalization for adults.
Vascepa is taken in conjunction with a low-fat and cholesterol-free diet to decrease the amount of triglycerides (fats) in people who have extremely excessive triglycerides.It's not clear if Vascepa will reduce the chance of developing pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Warnings
Before taking Vascepa, inform your physician whether you suffer from diabetes, liver disease, or a thyroid condition and have pancreas issues, bleeding or blood-clotting disorders, an allergy to shellfish or fish, or consume a lot of alcohol.
Vascepa is only a part of a treatment plan that may include diet, exercise, or weight loss. Follow the doctor's advice carefully.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to make use of Vascepa in case you are allergic to icosapent.
To be sure Vascepa is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you previously had:
- Liver disease;
- Diabetes;
- An thyroid disorder;
- Issues with your pancreas;
- A bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
- If you're allergic to shellfish or fish,
It isn't known if it will harm an unborn baby. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.
Icosapent could be passed into breast milk and cause harm to your baby. Discuss with your doctor if you are nursing.Vascepa is not a product that has been approved for use by anyone less than 18 years old.
Similar/related drugs
Praluent, Ozempic, rosuvastatin, Xarelto, simvastatin, Trulicity, and Fenofibrate
How to take Vascepa?
Vascepa is typically taken two times a day. Follow all instructions on the prescription label and study all medication guides or instructions sheets.Be certain to use the medicine exactly as directed.Eat food.Suck the capsule whole, and don't crush or chew on it, break it, or break it open.You'll require regular blood tests.
Vascepa is just one part of a total treatment plan that could comprise exercise, diet, and weight management. Make sure you follow your diet, medications, and exercise routines carefully.Place it in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual adult dose for hypertriglyceridemia:
2 grams of dietary fiber orally once a day in conjunction with food
Comments:
Patients should be put on a diet and exercise routine to reduce lipids prior to initiating therapy. They should adhere to this exercise and diet regimen during treatment.
Uses:
As an adjunct to diet, liposomal administration of statins may help decrease triglyceride (TG) levels in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (500 mg/dl or greater).
As an addition to the maximally tolerated statin therapy, to lower the risk of myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, stroke, or unstable angina that requires hospitalization in adult patients who have triglyceride levels of 15 mg/dl or greater, a history of heart disease, or the condition diabetes mellitus, and two or more risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease,
Usual Adult Dose for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction:
2 grams of g taken orally once in the day in conjunction with food
Comments:
Patients must be put on a diet and exercise routine to reduce lipid levels prior to starting therapy. Patients should adhere to this exercise and diet regimen during treatment.
Uses:
Diet can help to decrease triglyceride (TG) levels for those suffering from severe (500 mg/dl or greater) hypertriglyceridemia.
As an addition to the maximally tolerated statin therapy, to lower the chance of myocardial ischemia, coronary revascularization, stroke, or instabil angina that requires hospitalization in adult patients who have triglyceride levels of 15 mg/dl or greater and with a history of diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular disease with 2 or more other risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease,
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but avoid any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical assistance immediately or reach out for support at the Poison Help Line: 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Beware of eating foods loaded with cholesterol or fat. Vascepa won't be effective in reducing your cholesterol if you don't adhere to a cholesterol-lowering diet.
Side effects of Vascepa
See a doctor immediately. If you show symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction, such as hives or breathing difficulties and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Contact your doctor immediately. If you are suffering from:
- Heartbeats that are irregular or fast, dizziness, breathlessness, and chest discomfort You may also experience fainting or feel lightheaded.
- Serious bleeding.
Common Vascepa side effects can include:
- Joint pain or muscle ache;
- Constipation;
- Swelling of hands, legs, or feet.
- Gout
- Chest tension and heartbeats that are racing or pounding that are fluttering around your chest, you feel tired and short of breath.
This list does not comprise all possible side effects; other effects could occur. Please consult your physician to seek medical advice regarding any adverse reactions and report them immediately to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, including:
- Is a blood thinner—Warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven
This list isn't complete. Other medications can interact with icosapent. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some interactions with drugs are not listed here. Are included here.
