Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Niaspan vs. Lovaza

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Niacin ER (niacin) and Omega-3 acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) are both used to manage cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but they have different uses and side effects. Niacin ER is a form of vitamin B3 and is used to lower high cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as to reduce the risk of repeat heart attacks and slow plaque buildup in arteries. Common side effects include flushing and stomach upset. On the other hand, Omega-3 acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) is made up of two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, and is specifically used to lower very high triglyceride levels. It is only available by prescription and can cause side effects like burping, upset stomach, and changes in taste. Unlike niacin ER, Lovaza is not known to cause flushing. Both medications are taken orally, but niacin ER is typically taken once daily at bedtime, while Lovaza can be taken once or twice daily with food. Additionally, Lovaza is not recommended for people with fish or shellfish allergies, whereas niacin ER has no such restriction.

  • Niacin er
    Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
  • Niacin er
    Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)

  • Summary of Niaspan vs. Lovaza

    Summary for Antilipemic

    Niacin ER (also known as vitamin B3) is a prescription antilipemic medication for adults. It's used to lower high cholesterol and triglycerides (a common form of fat) levels, but it's not a first-choice option for this condition. Niacin ER is taken by mouth once daily, while niacin (Niacor) is typically taken three times daily. Some side effects of niacin ER include flushing and stomach upset. Please note that niacin is also available over-the-counter to treat vitamin B3 deficiency.

    Summary for Antilipemic
    Prescription only

    Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) is made up of two different omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This medication is used to lower triglycerides (TG) levels in adults. It works best when you're also eating a low-cholesterol diet and engaging in regular exercise. Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) is taken by mouth once or twice per day with food. Some side effects include burping, upset stomach, and changes in your sense of taste.

  • Indications of Niaspan vs. Lovaza

    Indications for
    •High cholesterol and high triglycerides
    •Lower risk of repeat heart attack in people with a history of heart attack and high cholesterol
    •Slow plaque buildup in the arteries of people with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and high cholesterol (as an add-on medication)
    •Severely high triglycerides in people who are at risk of pancreatitis (as an add-on medication)
    Indications for
    •Add-on to diet for the treatment of high triglycerides (TG) in adults with TG levels greater than 500 mg/dL

  • Pros and Cons of Niaspan vs. Lovaza

    Pros and Const for Antilipemic
    Pros
    •Can lower “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and raise “good” (HDL) cholesterol in people who have trouble doing so with diet and exercise alone
    •Can also lower triglycerides
    •An option for people who didn’t have success or had side effects with statins
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Doesn’t work as well as statin medications in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides
    •Can cause flushing, a bothersome side effect
    •Need to take immediate-release form multiple times a day
    •Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Antilipemic
    Pros
    •Works well to lower triglyceride levels
    •Can be taken once a day
    •Ingredients and purity regulated by FDA, unlike OTC fish oils
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Approved for adults only
    •Might not be appropriate for people with fish or shellfish allergies
    •Can cause burping and changes in taste as side effects
    •Capsule might be hard to swallow for some people

  • Common Side Effects of Niaspan vs. Lovaza

    Common Side Effects for

    Extended-release tablets:

    •Flushing (up to 69%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 14%)
    •Nausea (up to 11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burping (4%)
    •Changes in taste (4%)
    •Upset stomach (3%)

  • Warnings of Niaspan vs. Lovaza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney and heart damage (rhabdomyolysis)
    •Liver damage
    Common Side Effects for
    •Fish allergy
    •Heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter)
    •Risk of liver irritation

  • Prices with our coupons for Niaspan vs. Lovaza

    Learn more about Niacin er
    Learn more about Omega-3 acids

Compare other Coronary Artery Disease drugs

Lipitor vs NiaspanLovastatin vs NiaspanNiaspan vs AntaraNiaspan vs AtorvastatinNiaspan vs CrestorNiaspan vs LopidNiaspan vs Omega 3 AcidNiaspan vs TrilipixNiaspan vs VytorinSimvastatin vs NiaspanZetia vs NiaspanLopid vs LipitorLopid vs LovazaLopid vs TricorLopid vs ZocorLovastatin vs AntaraOmega 3 Acid vs AtorvastatinOmega 3 Acid vs CrestorOmega 3 Acid vs LopidPravastatin vs AntaraPravastatin vs LopidSimvastatin vs AntaraTrilipix vs AtorvastatinTrilipix vs CrestorTrilipix vs LopidTrilipix vs Omega 3 AcidTrilipix vs VytorinVytorin vs LopidZetia vs AntaraZocor vs Trilipix
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.