Icosapent ethyl Advanced Patient Information - Drugs.com

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# Icosapent ethyl (Oral)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 29, 2022.

## Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

- Vascepa

Available Dosage Forms:

- Capsule, Liquid Filled

Therapeutic Class: Antihyperlipidemic

Chemical Class: Omega-3 Fatty Acid

## Uses for icosapent ethyl

Icosapent ethyl is used together with a proper diet to help control high triglyceride (fat-like substance) levels in the blood. Icosapent ethyl is also used together with a statin medicine to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain heart problems requiring hospitalization in adults with heart or blood vessel disease or diabetes.

Icosapent ethyl is available only with your doctor's prescription.

## Before using icosapent ethyl

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For icosapent ethyl, the following should be considered:

### Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to icosapent ethyl or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

### Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of icosapent ethyl in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

### Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of icosapent ethyl in the elderly.

### Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

### Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

### Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

### Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of icosapent ethyl. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

- Allergy to fish or shellfish, history of—May have an increase risk of an allergic reaction to icosapent ethyl.

- Bleeding problems or
- Heart rhythm problems (eg, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

- Diabetes or
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)—Use with caution. Your doctor will tell you how to control these conditions that may cause lipid (fat) disorders.

- Liver problems—Your doctor may want to monitor you more closely for unwanted effects.

## Related/similar drugs

simvastatin, Ozempic, rosuvastatin, Xarelto, Trulicity, fenofibrate, Crestor

## Proper use of icosapent ethyl

Take icosapent ethyl exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Do not change or stop taking icosapent ethyl without first checking with your doctor.

Icosapent ethyl comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions in the insert carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, chew, dissolve, or open it. Take icosapent ethyl with food.

Before prescribing medicine for your condition your doctor will probably try to control your condition by prescribing a personal diet for you. Carefully follow the special diet your doctor gave you. This diet may be low in fats, sugars, and/or cholesterol. Many people are able to control their condition by carefully following their doctor's orders for proper diet and exercise. Medicine is prescribed only when additional help is needed and is most effective when used in combination with diet and exercise.

### Dosing

The dose of icosapent ethyl will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of icosapent ethyl. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

- For oral dosage form (capsules):
  - For high triglycerides or fats in the blood:
    - Adults—4 grams per day, to be taken as four 0.5 gram capsules two times a day with food, or as two 1 gram capsules two times a day with food.
    - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

### Missed dose

If you miss a dose of icosapent ethyl, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

### Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Detailed Icosapent dosage information

## Precautions while using icosapent ethyl

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that icosapent ethyl is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Icosapent ethyl may increase your risk of heart rhythm problems (eg, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter). Call your doctor right away if you feel dizzy or faint, or have a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.

Icosapent ethyl may increase your chance of bleeding. To help with this problem, stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol intake may cause lipid (fat-like substance) disorders.

## Icosapent ethyl side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

- Dizziness
- fainting
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- lightheadedness
- swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
- unusual bleeding

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

- Constipation
- difficulty with moving
- muscle pain or stiffness
- pain in the joints
- pain in the mouth or throat

Incidence not known

- Diarrhea
- pain in the arms or legs
- stomach discomfort

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Icosapent side effects (more detail)

## Frequently asked questions

- Lovaza vs. Vascepa - what's the difference between them?

## More about icosapent

- Check interactions
- Reviews (108)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: miscellaneous antihyperlipidemic agents
- En español

### Patient resources

- Drug Information
- Icosapent Ethyl Capsules

#### Other brands

Vascepa

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
- Hypertriglyceridemia

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer