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Vascepa
Used for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, High Triglycerides
Used for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, High Triglycerides
Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) is a prescription omega-3 fatty acid medication used to lower very high triglyceride (TG) levels and reduce the risk of certain heart problems in adults. It comes as capsules taken by mouth twice a day with food. Common side effects include muscle and bone pain, swelling in the arms and legs, and constipation.
What is Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)?
What is Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) used for?
- Lowers the risk of heart problems in adults taking a statin who have triglyceride (TG) levels of 150 mg/dL or higher and:
- Have heart disease, or
- Have diabetes with at least 2 additional heart-related risk factors
- Lowers very high triglycerides levels (500 mg/dL or higher) in adults, along with diet
How Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) works
Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) is an omega-3 fatty acid that contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It helps lower triglyceride levels by reducing how much fat your liver makes and helping your body remove fat from your blood.
The exact way icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) lowers the risk of heart problems isn't fully understood. But it's thought to work in several ways, including increasing EPA levels in your blood and making blood platelets less likely to stick together and form clots.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Vascepa |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Omega-3 fatty acid |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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Side effects of Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)
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
Lower heart-related risks:
- Muscle and bone pain
- Swelling in arms and legs
- Constipation
- Gout
- Abnormal heart rhythm
High TG levels:
- Joint pain
- Sore throat
Less Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Stomach discomfort
- Pain in the arms and legs
Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) 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: hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing
- Bleeding: lightheadedness, dizziness, difficulty stopping a bleed, blood in urine or stool, coughing up blood, severe bruising
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The following Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Dizziness
fainting
fast or irregular heartbeat
lightheadedness
swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
unusual bleeding
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
difficulty with moving
muscle pain or stiffness
pain in the joints
pain in the mouth or throat
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)
Pros
- Helps lower very high triglyceride levels
- Can lower the risk for heart problems in certain adults
- Ingredients and purity regulated by FDA, unlike OTC fish oil supplements
Cons
- Needs to be taken twice a day with food
- Might need to take many capsules per day, depending on your dose
- Requires caution if you have a fish or shellfish allergy
Pharmacist tips for Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)
- Take icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) twice a day with food. Taking it with your morning and evening meals can help you remember your doses.
- Swallow icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) capsules whole. Don't crush, chew, dissolve, or open them.
- If you miss a dose of icosapent ethyl (Vascepa), take it as soon as you remember. Don't take 2 doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
- Continue following a triglyceride-lowering diet) while taking icosapent ethyl (Vascepa). Limiting alcohol, added sugars, and certain fats can help lower your triglycerides levels.
- If you take icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) to lower your risk of heart problems, keep taking your statin. This medication is meant to be taken with a statin for this purpose, not to replace it.
- Keep up with your blood tests while taking icosapent ethyl (Vascepa). Your care team will check your triglyceride levels to see how well the medication is working.
- Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all medications you take with icosapent ethyl (Vascepa), especially medications that affect bleeding. Contact your care team if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding during treatment.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There isn't enough information to know whether icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk to your prescriber if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment.
Risks and warnings for Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)
Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) 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.
Heart rhythm problems
- Risk factors: History of an irregular heartbeat
Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) can raise your risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) or atrial flutter, which are types of irregular heartbeats. Your risk is higher if you've had AFib or atrial flutter before.
Tell your prescriber if you have a history of irregular heartbeats before starting icosapent ethyl (Vascepa). Contact your care team if you notice a fast or pounding heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Fish allergy
Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) 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 icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) and get emergency medical help if you develop hives, swelling of your face or throat, or trouble breathing.
Bleeding
- Risk factors: Taking blood thinners
Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) can raise your risk of bleeding, especially if you also take blood thinners. Get medical help right away if you have bleeding that won't stop, blood in your urine or stool, cough up blood, or feel lightheaded or faint.
Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) dosage
The average cost for 120 capsules of 1g of Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) is $79.70 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 82.48% off the average retail price of $454.93. 
Capsule
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1g | 120 capsules | $79.70 | $0.66 |
| 0.5g | 240 capsules | $91.66 | $0.38 |
Typical dosage for Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)
The typical dose is 2 grams by mouth twice a day with food.
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Interactions between Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) and other drugs
Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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