Vascepa vs. Fish oil for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction and Nutritional Deficiency: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Icosapent ethyl

(Vascepa)

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fish oil

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Summary for Vascepa

Prescription only

Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) is a prescription omega-3 fatty acid medication used to lower very high triglyceride (TG) levels and reduce the risk of certain heart problems in adults. It comes as capsules taken by mouth twice a day with food. Common side effects include muscle and bone pain, swelling in the arms and legs, and constipation.

Indications for Vascepa

Lowers the risk of heart problems in adults taking a statin who have triglyceride (TG) levels of 150 mg/dL or higher and:
- Have heart disease, or
- Have diabetes with at least 2 additional heart-related risk factors
Lowers very high triglycerides levels (500 mg/dL or higher) in adults, along with diet

Pros and Cons for Vascepa

Pros

Helps lower very high triglyceride levels
Can lower the risk for heart problems in certain adults
Ingredients and purity regulated by FDA, unlike OTC fish oil supplements

Cons

Needs to be taken twice a day with food
Might need to take many capsules per day, depending on your dose
Requires caution if you have a fish or shellfish allergy

Common Side Effects for Vascepa

Lower heart-related risks:

Muscle and bone pain
Swelling in arms and legs
Constipation
Gout
Abnormal heart rhythm

High TG levels:

Joint pain
Sore throat

Warnings for Vascepa

Heart rhythm problems
Fish allergy
Bleeding

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 Vascepa vs. Fish oil

Vascepa120 capsules / 1g

$79.70$454.93

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Fish Oil90 capsules / 1000mg

$7.38$8.93

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Vascepa vs. Fish oil

Icosapent ethyl

fish oil

Summary for Vascepa

Indications for Vascepa

Pros and Cons for Vascepa

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Vascepa

Warnings for Vascepa

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 Vascepa vs. Fish oil

Compare other Cardiovascular Risk Reduction and Nutritional Deficiency drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Icosapent ethyl

fish oil

Summary for Vascepa

Indications for Vascepa

Pros and Cons for Vascepa

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Vascepa

Warnings for Vascepa

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