Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters
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.
What is Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)?
What is Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) used for?
- Add-on to diet for the treatment of high triglycerides (TG) in adults with TG levels greater than 500 mg/dL
How Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) works
Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) is made up of two different omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). How they work to lower triglycerides isn't well-understood. But it's thought they block certain processes that make and transport TG throughout the body.
Drug facts
More on Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) essentials
Side effects of Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Burping (4%)
- Changes in taste (4%)
- Upset stomach (3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Constipation
- Stomach problems
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Rash
Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: itchy, red rash (hives), shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of lips, tongue, face, or eyes
The following Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Bad breath
- Burping
- Fishy aftertaste
- Heartburn
- Upset stomach
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Pros and cons of Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
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
Pharmacist tips for Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
- You should take omega-3 acids (Lovaza) with food.
- Swallow omega-3 acids (Lovaza) capsules whole. Avoid crushing, breaking, chewing, or dissolving the capsules because this can affect your dose.
- Mark your calendar with your appointments to get any blood work done when you take omega-3 acids (Lovaza). Your provider will order blood work to check your cholesterol levels, and sometimes liver health, regularly during treatment. They might change your dose of omega-3 acids (Lovaza) based on your lab results.
- To get the most benefit out of omega-3 acids (Lovaza), you should also eat a healthy and balanced diet and follow a regular exercise routine that involves cardio and strength training. Talk with your provider if you've questions about how to plan your meals and exercise routine.
- Tell your provider right away if you become pregnant, are thinking of getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding while you're taking omega-3 acids (Lovaza). It's unclear whether this medication can cause harm during pregnancy.
- If you miss a dose of omega-3 acids (Lovaza), take it when you remember. But don't take two doses at once, as it might raise your risk for side effects.
Common questions about Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
No, weight gain wasn't a reported side effect from people taking omega-3 acids (Lovaza) during clinical studies. If you notice unexplained weight gain, contact your provider to discuss possible reasons for it.
No, omega-3 acids (Lovaza) isn't a statin. But it's similar to a statin because they both lower triglyceride (TG) levels in the body. However, omega-3 acids (Lovaza) works differently than a statin and doesn't lower low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), also known as "bad cholesterol," like statins do. In some cases, a provider might prescribe both omega-3 acids (Lovaza) and a statin, depending on your risk of heart problems and cholesterol levels.
No, omega-3 acids (Lovaza) isn't considered a blood thinner. Some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can interfere with platelets and make it more difficult for the body to form blood clots. But there isn't any strong evidence that taking omega-3 acids (Lovaza) can raise your risk for bleeding. Ask your provider if you've more questions about omega-3 acids (Lovaza) and how it might affect bleeding.
Don't take omega-3 acids (Lovaza) and Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) together without first talking with your provider. These two medications aren't typically prescribed together. And there aren't any well-designed studies that look at what happens when you take both Vascepa and Lovaza together. Your provider might consider one or the other for you if your TG level is 500 mg/dL or higher. But if your TG level is less than 500 mg/dL and you've certain risk factors for heart problems, your provider will likely prescribe Vascepa instead.
Yes, omega-3 acids (Lovaza) can raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. HDL is also known as "good" cholesterol. In clinical studies, people taking omega-3 acids (Lovaza) for up to 4 months saw their HDL level improve by about 9% (compared to no change in HDL levels in people who took placebo). While a rise in HDL is an added benefit of omega-3 acids (Lovaza), this medication isn't FDA-approved to raise HDL. If your HDL level is low, your provider will likely recommend lifestyle changes, such as eating a diet with healthier fats, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
Each 1 gram capsule of omega-3 acids (Lovaza) contains 465 mg of EPA and 375 mg of DHA.
Yes, omega-3 acids (Lovaza) is different from over-the-counter (OTC) fish oil supplements. While both contain omega-3 fatty acids, the type, amount, and purity of these fatty acids in omega-3 acids (Lovaza) and OTC fish oils aren't the same. Only omega-3 acids (Lovaza) is FDA-approved for adults with TG levels 500 mg/dL or higher. And only the ingredients in omega-3 acids (Lovaza) are regulated by the FDA for purity and consistency. If you've questions about omega-3 acids (Lovaza) and OTC fish oil, talk with your provider.
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Risks and warnings for Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Fish allergy
Since omega-3 acids (Lovaza) is made from fish oil, it's possible for people who are allergic to fish or shellfish to have an allergic reaction to the medication. Let your provider know about all of your allergies before starting omega-3 acids (Lovaza), especially if you're allergic to fish. Stop taking omega-3 acids (Lovaza) and seek medical attention right away if you notice hives, swelling of your lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after taking omega-3 acids (Lovaza).
Heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter)
- Risk factors: History of an irregular heartbeat | History of heart disease | History of diabetes with risk factors for heart disease
Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) raises your risk of experiencing an irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter), which might require hospitalization. Let your provider know if you have a history of an irregular heartbeat before starting omega-3 acids (Lovaza). If you experience chest pain, dizziness, weakness, or shortness of breath while taking omega-3 acids (Lovaza), contact your provider.
Risk of liver irritation
If you have liver problems, your provider might ask you to do regular blood tests so that they can check your liver health. Some people have experienced higher liver enzyme levels, which suggests liver irritation.
Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) dosage
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1g | 120 capsules | $29.93 | $0.25 |
Typical dosage for Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
The typical dose is 4 grams by mouth every day with food. All 4 grams can be taken once per day, or the dose can be split up as 2 grams by mouth twice daily.
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