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Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters
Used for High Triglycerides
Used for High Triglycerides
Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) is a prescription omega-3 fatty acid medication used to lower very high triglycerides (TG) levels in adults. It works best when combined with a diet that's low in fat and cholesterol. The medication comes as capsules that are taken by mouth once or twice a day with food. Common side effects include burping, indigestion, and changes in taste.
What is Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)?
What is Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) used for?
- Lowers very high triglycerides levels (500 mg/dL or higher) in adults, along with diet
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 fully understood. But it's thought to help your liver make less fat and break down more fat. It might also help your body remove triglycerides from your blood.
When does Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Lovaza |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Omega-3 fatty acid |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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%)
- Indigestion (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.
- Heart rhythm problems: chest pain, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat
- 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
Pros and cons of Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
Pros
- Helps lower very high triglyceride levels
- Can be taken once or twice a day
- Ingredients and purity regulated by FDA, unlike OTC fish oil supplements
Cons
- Requires caution if you have a fish or shellfish allergy
- Can cause burping and changes in taste as side effects
- Large capsule might be hard to swallow
Pharmacist tips for Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
- Take omega-3 acids (Lovaza) with food. Depending on your prescription, you'll take 4 capsules once a day or 2 capsules twice a day.
- Swallow omega-3 acids (Lovaza) capsules whole. Don't crush, chew, dissolve, or open them.
- 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.
- Continue following a triglyceride-lowering diet) while taking omega-3 acids (Lovaza). Limiting alcohol, added sugars, and certain fats can help lower your triglycerides levels.
- Keep up with your blood tests while taking omega-3 acids (Lovaza). Your prescriber will regularly check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and sometimes your liver health. These results help your prescriber see how well the medication is working.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Tell your prescriber if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking omega-3 acids (Lovaza). Although there are some reports of safe use during pregnancy, there isn't enough research to know whether the medication is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Storage: Keep omega-3 acids (Lovaza) at room temperature and don't freeze the capsules. Keep the medication in its original container and away from children.
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.
Changes in cholesterol and liver tests
Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) can sometimes raise your "bad cholesterol" (LDL) levels. It can also raise certain liver enzyme levels, which might be a sign of liver problems. Your care team will check your cholesterol levels regularly and might order liver blood tests if you have liver problems.
Fish allergy
Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) contains omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. It's not known whether people with fish or shellfish allergies have a higher risk of an allergic reaction to the medication. Tell your prescriber if you have these allergies before starting treatment. Stop taking omega-3 acids (Lovaza) and get emergency medical help if you develop hives, swelling of your face or throat, or trouble breathing.
Heart rhythm problems
- Risk factors: History of an irregular heartbeat
Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) might raise your risk of having another episode of atrial fibrillation (AFib) or atrial flutter if you've had these conditions before. These are types of irregular heartbeats that can cause a fast or pounding heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath. The risk might be higher during the first 2 to 3 months of treatment.
Tell your prescriber if you have a history of AFib or atrial flutter before starting omega-3 acids (Lovaza). Contact your care team if you notice a fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) dosage
The average cost for 120 capsules of 1g of Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) is $33.40 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 53.48% off the average retail price of $71.79. 
Capsule
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1g | 120 capsules | $33.40 | $0.28 |
Typical dosage for Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
The typical dose is 4 grams by mouth daily with food, taken all at once or split into 2 grams twice a day.
How much does Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Omega-3 acids (Lovaza). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)
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