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Compare Tricor vs. Lovaza

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

Key takeaways

Fenofibrate (brand names: Fenoglide, Trilipix, Antara, Tricor, Lipofen) and omega-3-acid ethyl esters (brand name: Lovaza) are both used to manage high triglycerides, but they work differently and have distinct characteristics. Fenofibrate is a fibrate that breaks down lipids in your blood, lowering "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL). It is available in various forms and generics. Common side effects include liver problems and stomach pain. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters, made up of EPA and DHA, are taken to lower triglycerides and are best used with a low-cholesterol diet and exercise. It is available as a generic and can cause burping, upset stomach, and changes in taste. Unlike fenofibrate, omega-3-acid ethyl esters do not lower LDL cholesterol and are not recommended for people with fish or shellfish allergies. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor their effects on your liver and cholesterol levels.

  • Fenofibrate
    Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
  • Fenofibrate
    Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)

  • Summary of Tricor vs. Lovaza

    Summary for Fibrate
    Prescription only

    Fenofibrate (also known as fenofibric acid) is used as an add-on medication to diet to treat high triglycerides and high cholesterol. Common side effects include liver problems, breathing problems, and stomach pain. Fenofibrate includes a warning about avoiding statin medications because of the risk of muscle damage, and also because it doesn't add any extra benefit in reducing the risk of heart problems compared to taking a statin alone. Fenofibrate is available in many brand names (e.g., Antara, Tricor, Trilipix), generics, and dosage forms (e.g., micronized capsules, delayed-release capsules, tablets).

    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 Tricor vs. Lovaza

    Indications for
    •Treatment of high triglycerides - add-on to diet
    •Treatment of high "bad" cholesterol (LDL), with or without high triglycerides and low "good" cholesterol (HDL) - add-on to diet
    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 Tricor vs. Lovaza

    Pros and Const for Fibrate
    Pros
    •Lowers triglycerides and LDL ("bad" cholesterol) while raising HDL ("good" cholesterol)
    •Only needs to be taken once daily
    •Some brands can be taken with or without food
    •Some brands available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Need to take it alongside a low-fat diet; doesn't work well on its own
    •Can cause muscle damage, especially if taken with a statin
    •Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Can't take if you have liver, severe kidney, or gallbladder problems
    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 Tricor vs. Lovaza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage (8%)
    •Lung problems (6%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burping (4%)
    •Changes in taste (4%)
    •Upset stomach (3%)

  • Warnings of Tricor vs. Lovaza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Muscle damage (myopathy and rhabdomyolysis)
    •Possible effect on the kidneys
    •Allergic reactions
    •Gallstones
    •Pancreatitis
    •Blood clots
    Common Side Effects for
    •Fish allergy
    •Heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter)
    •Risk of liver irritation

  • Prices with our coupons for Tricor vs. Lovaza

    Learn more about Fenofibrate
    Learn more about Omega-3 acids

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