Vascepa Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is one of two prescription omega-3 fatty acid medications. It contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that has been purified from fish oil. Your healthcare provider may prescribe Vascepa alone for severely high triglycerides (fats in the blood), or with a statin to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in certain situations.

Vascepa comes as an oral capsule that’s typically taken twice a day with food. It works best when combined with a heart-healthy diet and routine exercise. And while Vascepa doses are relatively straightforward, there are a few different ways you can take it.

Below, we cover what you should know about Vascepa dosages, missed doses, and more.

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What’s the typical Vascepa dosage?

Vascepa is available as 0.5 g and 1 g capsules. The typical Vascepa dosage alone or in combination with a statin is 2 g by mouth twice daily with food (4 g total throughout the day). Depending on which capsules your healthcare provider prescribes, you can take it two different ways:

• Four 0.5 g capsules by mouth twice daily, or

• Two 1 g capsules by mouth twice daily

Swallow your Vascepa capsules whole. You shouldn’t crush, chew, or dissolve them. Vascepa should be stored at room temperature.

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Good to know: Vascepa is different from fish oil or other omega-3 supplements you can buy over the counter (OTC). It only contains EPA, a specific omega-3 fatty acid, and has been shown to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke when taken as directed. The FDA regulates Vascepa as a drug, whereas OTC supplements aren’t subjected to the same regulations.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

No. There aren’t any recommended Vascepa dosage adjustments if you have certain medical conditions. But if you have liver problems, your healthcare provider may want to monitor your liver tests during treatment. This is because Vascepa is broken down by your liver.

Vascepa can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter needing hospitalization. This risk may be higher if you have a history of these heart rhythm problems. Vascepa can also increase your bleeding risk, especially if you take certain blood thinners or antiplatelet medications. In these situations, you may be monitored more closely.

It’s unknown if people with fish or shellfish allergies could have an allergic reaction with Vascepa. Discuss all of your medical conditions, medications, and allergies with your provider and pharmacist before starting treatment.

What happens if you miss a dose of Vascepa?

If you forget to take a dose of Vascepa, take it as soon as you remember. But if you miss a whole day, skip the missed doses and continue with your next scheduled dose. Don’t double your dose or take more than prescribed.

If you’re having trouble remembering to take any of your medications, you may benefit from using a medication adherence tool. Check out our articles on pill organizers and medication reminder apps.

What should you do if you take too much Vascepa?

Taking too much of Vascepa could increase your risk of new or worsening side effects, which may include muscle pain, swelling, or constipation.

If you may have taken too much Vascepa, contact your healthcare provider. You can also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

How to save on Vascepa

There are ways to save on Vascepa, which is available as a generic- and brand-name medication. GoodRx can help you navigate between GoodRx coupons and copay savings cards to save money on your prescription.

• Save with GoodRx: Generic Vascepa’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $225.87 with a free GoodRx coupon.

• Find exclusive savings: Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase a 30-day supply of Vascepa at an exclusive cash price of $98.40.

• Save with a copay savings card: If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $9 for a 90-day supply using a copay savings card from the manufacturer.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Brian Leonard, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP

Brian Leonard earned his doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy and is board certified in Ambulatory Care and Geriatric Pharmacy.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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