Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Generic name: omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [ oh-MAY-ga-3 POL-ee-un-SAT-yoo-ray-ted-FAT-ee-AS-ids ]
Brand names: Dry Eye Omega Benefits, Fish Oil, Lovaza, MegaKrill, Nature's Bounty Red Krill Oil, ... show all 67 brands Prenatal DHA, Sea-Omega, TheraTears Nutrition, TherOmega, Triple Strength Red Krill Oil, Vascazen, Wellbaby DHA, Marine Lipid Concentrate, Super-EPA, MaxEPA, Proepa, Omega-500, EPA Fish Oil, Omega-3, Icar Prenatal Essential Omega-3, Omacor, Sea-Omega 30, Sea-Omega 70, Mi-Omega, Mi-Omega NF, Animi-3, MaxiVision Omega-3 Formula, MaxiTears Dry Eye Formula, Divista, Fish Oil Ultra, Animi-3 with Vitamin D, Flex Omega Benefits, Cardio Omega Benefits, Mom's Omega Advantage, Omega Essentials, Omega Essentials Basic, TherOmega Sport, Omega-3 Fish Oil, Salmon Oil, Dual Spectrum Omega-3, Disney Omega-3 Gummies, Epanova, Ovega-3 Vegetarian, Vayarin, Omega-3 D-3 Wellness Pack, Vayacog, Vayarin Plus, BP Vit 3, Omera, De3 Dry Eye Omega Benefits, De Dye Eye Omega Benefits, MegaRed Advanced, Schiff Antarctic Krill and Fish Oil Blend, Schiff Antarctic Krill Oil, Smart Heart, Omega Monopure, Omegapure 900 EC, Omegapure 780 EC, Life's DHA Adult, Eye Omega Benefits for Kids, Omega-V Benefits, Omega MonoPure 650 EC, Omegapure 820, Max DHA, Omegapure 600 EC, Omegapure 900-TG, Ultra Omega-3
Dosage forms: oral capsule (-; 1000 mg; 1050 mg; 1200 mg; 200 mg; 350 mg; 500 mg; 667 mg; 800 mg; ethyl esters 1000 mg; with Vitamin B Complex; with Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin D); oral delayed release capsule (1100 mg); oral kit (1000 mg); oral liquid (1400 mg/5 mL; 1600 mg/5 mL; with Vitamin D; with Vitamin D and E); oral tablet, chewable (425 mg)
Drug class: Nutraceutical products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 3, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## Related/similar drugs

rosuvastatin, fenofibrate, Crestor, acetylcysteine, ascorbic acid, biotin, Vitamin C

## What is omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are used together with diet and exercise to help lower triglyceride levels in the blood.

It is not known if omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids will prevent a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Follow all directions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids if you are allergic to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids or soybeans.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

- an allergy to fish or shellfish;

- diabetes;

- liver disease;

- a heart rhythm disorder;

- a pancreas disorder; or

- underactive thyroid.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

## How should I take omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Take with food.

You may need frequent blood tests.

You may need to follow a special diet. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods you should eat or avoid.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

## What should I avoid while taking omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids will not be as effective.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase triglycerides and may make your condition worse.

## Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- chest pain; or

- uneven heartbeats.

Common side effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may include:

- loss of appetite;

- diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, belching;

- back pain; or

- dry mouth, altered sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids side effects (more detail)

## Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertriglyceridemia:

1 gram prescription only products:
4 grams orally daily; may be given as a single dose or 2 divided doses.
Comments:
-Assess triglyceride levels carefully before starting therapy and identify other possible causes (e.g. diabetes, hypothyroidism, medications) and manage appropriately.
-Patients should be on a lipid lowering diet prior to using this medication, and continue the diet during use of this medication.
-Capsules should be swallowed whole; do not break, crush, chew or dissolve capsules.
-In clinical trials, the medication was administered with meals.

Detailed Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids dosage information

## What other drugs will affect omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

- a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## Popular FAQ

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

The main differences between Lovaza and Vascepa are their FDA approved uses, composition, dose, side effects and price. Both Lovaza and Vascepa are used to lower high triglycerides; however, Vascepa is also approved to be used with a statin to lower the chance of a heart attack or stroke. Continue reading

## More about omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

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- During pregnancy
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### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading
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- Omega-3 Fatty Acid Capsules

#### Other brands

Fish Oil, Lovaza, Omacor, Prenatal DHA, ... +12 more

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- ADHD
- Hypertriglyceridemia
- Dietary Supplementation

## Further information

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

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