Uses
Omega-3 fatty acids are used together with lifestyle changes (diet, weight-loss, exercise) to reduce the amount of triglycerides (a fat-like substance) in the blood in people with very high triglycerides. They are in a class of medications called antilipemic or lipid-regulating agents. They may work by decreasing the amount of triglycerides and other fats made in the liver.
Side Effects Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- burping
- heartburn
- stomach pain or discomfort
- joint pain
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- nausea
- change in the sense of taste
Omega-3 fatty acids may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking omega-3 fatty acids:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to omega-3 fatty acids including omega-3-acid ethyl esters, icosapent ethyl esters, and omega-3-carboxylic acids; fish, including shellfish (clams, scallops, shrimp, lobster, crayfish, crab, oyster, mussels, others); any other medications; or any of the ingredients in omega-3 fatty acid capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); antiplatelet medications such as cilostazol (Pletal), clopidrogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine, in Aggrenox), prasugrel (Effient), and ticlopidine; beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin, in Tenoretic), labetalol (Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, in Dutoprol), nadolol (Corgard, in Corzide), and propranolol (Inderal, Innopran XL, in Inderide); diuretics (‘water pills’); estrogen-containing contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections); and estrogen replacement therapy. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have diabetes, atrial fibrillation, or atrial flutter (conditions in which the heart beats irregularly); or liver, thyroid, or pancreatic disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking them, call your doctor.
- ask your doctor about the use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking omega-3- fatty acids.
Dosage Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Prescription omega-3 fatty acids such as omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza, Omytrg), icosapent ethyl esters (Vascepa), and omega-3-carboxylic acids (Epanova) come as a liquid-filled gel capsule to take by mouth. Epanova is usually taken once daily with or without food. Lovaza is usually taken one or two times a day with or without food. Omytrg is usually taken one or two times a day with food. Vascepa is usually taken two times a day with food. Nonprescription omega-3 fatty acids come as gel capsules to take by mouth as directed on the package label. Take them at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label or on the package carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take omega-3 fatty acids exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, crush, chew, or dissolve them. If you cannot swallow capsules whole, tell your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to the fatty acids.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking omega-3 fatty acids.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
