Last Revised - 08/15/2016

Why is this medication prescribed?

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. Omega-3 fatty acids are in a class of medications called antilipemic or lipid-regulating agents. Omega-3 fatty acids may work by decreasing the amount of triglycerides and other fats made in the liver.

How should this medicine be used?

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 omega-3 fatty acids 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 uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

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 omega-3 fatty acids, call your doctor.

- ask your doctor about the use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking omega-3- fatty acids.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. You can also visit the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) website for additional dietary information at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/chol/chol_tlc.pdf.