Lovaza vs. Fish oil for High Triglycerides and Nutritional Deficiency: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Omega-3 acids

(Lovaza)

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fish oil

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Summary for Lovaza

Prescription only

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) is a prescription omega-3 fatty acid medication used to lower very high triglycerides (TG) levels in adults. It works best when combined with a diet that's low in fat and cholesterol. The medication comes as capsules that are taken by mouth once or twice a day with food. Common side effects include burping, indigestion, and changes in taste.

Indications for Lovaza

Lowers very high triglycerides levels (500 mg/dL or higher) in adults, along with diet

Pros and Cons for Lovaza

Pros

Helps lower very high triglyceride levels
Can be taken once or twice a day
Ingredients and purity regulated by FDA, unlike OTC fish oil supplements

Cons

Requires caution if you have a fish or shellfish allergy
Can cause burping and changes in taste as side effects
Large capsule might be hard to swallow

Common Side Effects for Lovaza

Burping (4%)
Changes in taste (4%)
Indigestion (3%)

Warnings for Lovaza

Changes in cholesterol and liver tests
Fish allergy
Heart rhythm problems

Summary for Fish oil

Over-the-counter

Fish oil supplements are over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain omega-3 fatty acids. They're often used to support heart health, but since they're dietary supplements, they aren't FDA approved to treat any medical condition. You can find them as soft-gel capsules, liquids, or gummies, and the strength and quality can vary by brand. Some side effects include burping, unpleasant taste, and nausea.

Indications for Fish oil

Dietary supplement

Pros and Cons for Fish oil

Pros

Side effects are usually mild
Available over the counter
Helps supplement omega-3s in people who can't get enough from their diet

Cons

Not regulated by the FDA, so can vary in quality and strength
Can interact with medications that affect blood clotting
Larger capsules can be difficult to swallow

Common Side Effects for Fish oil

Unpleasant taste in the mouth
Bad breath
Heartburn
Nausea
Stomach discomfort
Diarrhea
Headache
Smelly sweat

Warnings for Fish oil

Serious allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Lovaza vs. Fish oil

Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters120 capsules / 1g

$33.40$71.79

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Fish Oil90 capsules / 1000mg of

$7.38$8.86

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Lovaza vs. Fish oil

Omega-3 acids

fish oil

Summary for Lovaza

Indications for Lovaza

Pros and Cons for Lovaza

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lovaza

Warnings for Lovaza

Summary for Fish oil

Indications for Fish oil

Pros and Cons for Fish oil

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Fish oil

Warnings for Fish oil

Prices with our coupons for Lovaza vs. Fish oil

Compare other High Triglycerides and Nutritional Deficiency drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Omega-3 acids

fish oil

Summary for Lovaza

Indications for Lovaza

Pros and Cons for Lovaza

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lovaza

Warnings for Lovaza

Summary for Fish oil

Indications for Fish oil

Pros and Cons for Fish oil

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Fish oil

Warnings for Fish oil