Uses
What is icosapent ethyl used for?
Icosapent ethyl is commonly used to decrease high fat levels (triglycerides). Decreasing triglyceride levels may help reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related procedures.
Icosapent ethyl may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does icosapent ethyl work (mechanism of action)?
Icosapent ethyl decreases the amount of certain fats made by the liver. Icosapent ethyl also works to decrease the amount of fats in your blood vessels.
How is icosapent ethyl supplied (dosage forms)?
Icosapent ethyl is available as Vascepa and generic icosapent ethyl in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 500 mg oral capsules
- 1 g oral capsules
How should I store icosapent ethyl?
Icosapent ethyl should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of icosapent ethyl?
The most common side effects of icosapent ethyl are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fluid retention
- Constipation
- Gout
- Atrial fibrillation (see below)
There may be other side effects of icosapent ethyl that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of icosapent ethyl?
While less common, the most serious side effects of icosapent ethyl are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Icosapent ethyl may cause allergic reactions, especially if you are allergic to fish and/or shellfish, which can be serious. Stop taking icosapent ethyl and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Abnormal Heart Rhythm. Icosapent ethyl may cause your heart to not beat in rhythm called atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, especially if you have or are at risk for heart disease. Get emergency help if you experience any of the following signs of heart rhythm changes.
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
- Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding or skipping heartbeat
Bleeding. Icosapent ethyl may increase your risk of bleeding, especially if you are taking a blood thinner. Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking before starting icosapent ethyl. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking icosapent ethyl.
- Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
- Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
- Red or black stools (looks like tar)
- Coughing up blood or blood clots
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use icosapent ethyl?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take icosapent ethyl.
- Icosapent ethyl
- Vascepa
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific icosapent ethyl products they stock.
What should I know about icosapent ethyl before using it?
Do not take icosapent ethyl unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share icosapent ethyl with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep icosapent ethyl out of the reach of children.
Do not chew, cut, crush, or dissolve icosapent ethyl.
Take icosapent ethyl with food.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using icosapent ethyl?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if icosapent ethyl is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Fish or Shellfish Allergy. Icosapent ethyl contains oil from a fish and has the potential to cause an allergic reaction. Stop taking icosapent ethyl and get help right away if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Abnormal bleeding
- Diabetes
- Liver problem
- Pancreas problem
- Thyroid problem
Other Medicines and Supplements. Icosapent ethyl may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using icosapent ethyl, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how icosapent ethyl could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take icosapent ethyl while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Icosapent ethyl passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take icosapent ethyl while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does icosapent ethyl interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between icosapent ethyl and foods or drinks
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect icosapent ethyl.
Does icosapent ethyl interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any blood thinners, which are medicines used to treat or prevent blood clots.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with icosapent ethyl. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much icosapent ethyl?
If you or someone else has used too much icosapent ethyl, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of icosapent ethyl?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Icosapent Ethyl (Vascepa)?
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