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Compare Vascepa vs. Lovaza

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

Key takeaways

Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) and omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) are both used to lower triglyceride levels in adults, but they have some key differences. Vascepa contains purified omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and is taken twice daily with food. It is specifically used to lower the risk of heart problems in adults taking statins who have high triglyceride levels and heart disease or diabetes. Lovaza, on the other hand, contains two different omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, and can be taken once or twice daily with food. It is used as an add-on to diet for treating high triglycerides in adults with levels greater than 500 mg/dL. While both medications can cause side effects related to fish allergies and heart rhythm problems, Lovaza is also known to cause burping and changes in taste. Additionally, both medications are available as a lower-cost generic.

drug combination

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  • Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)
    Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
  • Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)
    Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)

  • Summary of Vascepa vs. Lovaza

    Summary for Omega-3 fatty acid
    Prescription only

    Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) contains omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and is used to lower triglyceride (TG) levels in adults. When taken together with a statin, icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) can help protect the heart of certain people who are at high risk of heart disease. The medication is taken by mouth twice daily. Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) is available as a brand-name capsule and also has generic alternatives. The most common side effects include muscle and bone pain, swelling in the arms and legs, and constipation.

    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 Vascepa vs. Lovaza

    Indications for
    •Lower the risk of heart problems in adults also taking statins who have high triglyceride levels, and have heart disease or diabetes with at least 2 risk factors for heart disease
    •Lower triglyceride levels in adults with very high triglycerides levels when taken together with a healthy 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 Vascepa vs. Lovaza

    Pros and Const for Omega-3 fatty acid
    Pros
    •Has been shown to lower the risk for heart problems in people with heart disease or diabetes with other risk factors
    •Good choice for people with very high triglyceride levels
    •Safe for use in people age 65 and older
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Might raise your risk of bleeding
    •Needs to be taken twice a day with food
    •Might need to take many capsules per day, depending on your dose
    •Risk of allergic reaction if you're allergic to fish or shellfish
    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 Vascepa vs. Lovaza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Muscle, bone, and joint pain
    •Swelling in arms, legs, hands, or feet
    •Constipation
    •Gout
    •Irregular heart rhythm
    •Pain in mouth and throat
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burping (4%)
    •Changes in taste (4%)
    •Upset stomach (3%)

  • Warnings of Vascepa vs. Lovaza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter)
    •Allergic reactions in people who have fish allergies
    •Bleeding
    Common Side Effects for
    •Fish allergy
    •Heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter)
    •Risk of liver irritation

  • Prices with our coupons for Vascepa vs. Lovaza

    Learn more about Icosapent ethyl
    Learn more about Omega-3 acids

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