ICOSAPENT ETHYL - ORAL

ICOSAPENT ETHYL - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (eye-KOE-sa-pent ETH-il)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vascepa

GENERIC NAME(S): icosapent ethyl

Uses

USES: Icosapent ethyl is a type of omega-3 fatty acid, a fat found in fish oil. It is used along with a proper diet to help lower fats (triglycerides) in the blood. This medication is thought to work by decreasing the amount of triglycerides made by the body. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.


How to use ICOSAPENT ETHYL - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking icosapent ethyl and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, open, or dissolve the capsules. Do not substitute other omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil products (such as nonprescription products, vitamins, supplements) for this product without talking with your doctor first. They may not contain the same amount and type of fatty acids. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high triglycerides do not feel sick. It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 2 months before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Joint pain may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking icosapent ethyl, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to fish or shellfish products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, alcohol use. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

VASCEPA 1 GM CAPSULE

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amber
shape
oblong
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VASCEPA
VASCEPA 0.5 GM CAPSULE

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amber
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oblong
imprint
V500

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Faq for ICOSAPENT ETHYL - ORAL

Icosapent Ethyl is a prescription medication that is used to lower triglyceride levels in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs known as omega-3 fatty acids. It works by reducing the production of triglycerides in the liver and increasing the breakdown of triglycerides in the blood.

Icosapent Ethyl is used to treat severe high triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridemia). It is prescribed to individuals with triglyceride levels above 500 mg/dL, who are at risk of developing pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or who already have pancreatitis.

The most common side effect of Icosapent Ethyl is joint pain. Other possible side effects include flu-like symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, cough, and skin rash. It is important to contact a healthcare professional if any side effects persist or worsen.

Icosapent Ethyl is usually taken orally, with or without food. The recommended dose is 4 grams per day, taken as two capsules twice daily. It is essential to follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Icosapent Ethyl may increase the risk of bleeding, so it should be used with caution in individuals with a history of bleeding disorders or who are taking anticoagulant medications. It is also important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid potential drug interactions.

The safety of Icosapent Ethyl during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been established. It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before using this medication if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

No, Icosapent Ethyl is available only with a prescription from a healthcare provider. It is essential to consult with a doctor to evaluate if this medication is suitable for your condition.

It may take several weeks to notice the full benefits of Icosapent Ethyl. It is important to continue taking the medication as directed by your healthcare provider, even if you do not immediately see improvements in your triglyceride levels.

If you miss a dose of Icosapent Ethyl, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.