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Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters Coupon - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g capsule

Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters

Generic Lovaza
Used for High Triglycerides
Used for High Triglycerides

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 25, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

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.

When does Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsLovaza
Drug ClassAntilipemic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) essentials

Health: icosapent-ethyl: yellow gel supplement capsules and bottle-896489076

Lovaza vs. Vascepa for Lowering Triglycerides

Written by Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP
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Avg retail price
$137.86(save 81.72%)
GoodRx discount
$25.20
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What are the 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%)

Other Side Effects

  • Constipation
  • Stomach problems
  • Vomiting
  • Itching
  • Rash

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

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

Pharmacist tips for Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)

pharmacist

  • 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.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Omega-3 acids (Lovaza)

              Does omega-3 acids (Lovaza) cause weight gain?
              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.
              Is omega-3 acids (Lovaza) a statin?
              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.
              Is omega-3 acids (Lovaza) a blood thinner?
              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.
              Can you take Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) and omega-3 acids (Lovaza) together?
              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.
              Does omega-3 acids (Lovaza) increase HDL cholesterol?
              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.
              How much does omega-3 acids (Lovaza) lower triglycerides?
              In clinical studies, people taking omega-3 acids (Lovaza) for up to 4 months saw their triglyceride (TG) levels drop by about 45%. In comparison, people who took placebo saw a rise in TG levels by about 7% within the same time period.
              How much EPA and DHA are in omega-3 acids (Lovaza)?
              Each 1 gram capsule of omega-3 acids (Lovaza) contains 465 mg of EPA and 375 mg of DHA.
              Is omega-3 acids (Lovaza) different than OTC fish oil?
              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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              What are the 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.

              risk-warning

              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).

              risk-warning

              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-warning

                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.

                dosage

                Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) dosage forms

                The average cost for 120 capsules of 1g of Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) is $25.20 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 81.72% off the average retail price of $137.86.
                capsule
                Capsule
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                1g120 capsules$25.20$0.21

                Typical dosing 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.

                drug-cost

                How much does Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) cost?

                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                Lovaza (brand)
                GoodRx lowest price

                $25.20

                (save 97.85%)
                Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) (generic)
                GoodRx lowest price

                $25.20

                (save 81.72%)
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                alternatives

                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.
                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

                $25.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Fenofibrate
                Used for:
                $12.38 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)
                Used 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

                $225.87 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                images

                Omega-3 acids (Lovaza) images

                Yellow Oblong At132 - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel
                This medicine is Yellow, Oblong Capsule Imprinted With "At132".Yellow Oblong At132 - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel
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                This medicine is Yellow Capsule Imprinted With "Pc25".Yellow Pc25 - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel
                Yellow Apo900 - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel
                This medicine is Yellow Capsule Imprinted With "Apo900".Yellow Apo900 - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel
                Yellow 740 - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel
                This medicine is Yellow Capsule Imprinted With "740".Yellow 740 - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel
                Yellow An34 - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel
                This medicine is Yellow Capsule Imprinted With "An34".Yellow An34 - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel
                Yellow Gs Fh2 - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel
                This medicine is Yellow Capsule Imprinted With "Gs Fh2".Yellow Gs Fh2 - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel
                Yellow Oblong Lovaza - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel
                This medicine is Yellow, Oblong Capsule Imprinted With "Lovaza".Yellow Oblong Lovaza - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel
                Yellow Ls 423 - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel
                This medicine is Yellow Capsule Imprinted With "Ls 423".Yellow Ls 423 - Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 1g Softgel

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                References

                Best studies we found

                Akintoye, E., et al. (2018). Fish oil and perioperative bleeding. Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

                Bornfeldt, K. E. (2021). Triglyceride lowering by omega-3 fatty acids: A mechanism mediated by N-acyl taurines. The Journal of Clinical Investigation.

                Jacobsen, A., et al. (2019). Hypertriglyceridemia management according to the 2018 AHA/ACC guideline. American College of Cardiology.

                View All References (5)

                KD Pharma USA, Inc. (2023). OMEGA-3-ACID ETHYL ESTERS capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Pownall, H. J., et al. (1999). Correlation of serum triglyceride and its reduction by omega-3 fatty acids with lipid transfer activity and the neutral lipid compositions of high-density and low-density lipoproteins. Atherosclerosis.

                Wachira, J. K., et al. (2014). n-3 Fatty acids affect haemostasis but do not increase the risk of bleeding: clinical observations and mechanistic insights.

                Woodward Pharma Services LLC. (2021). Lovaza- omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsule, liquid filled [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Woodward Pharma Services LLC. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions about Lovaza®.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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