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Vascepa Coupon - Vascepa 1g capsule

Vascepa

icosapent ethyl
Used for High Triglycerides, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
Used for High Triglycerides, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) contains omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and is used to lower triglyceride (TG) levels in adults. When taken together with a statin, icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) can help protect the heart of certain people who are at high risk of heart disease. The medication is taken by mouth twice daily. Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) is available as a brand-name capsule and also has generic alternatives. The most common side effects include muscle and bone pain, swelling in the arms and legs, and constipation.

Last reviewed on September 27, 2023
basics-icon

What is Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)?

What is 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

How Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) works

Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) is an omega-3 fatty acid. It reduces the amount of triglycerides (TG) in your body in two ways:

  1. It lowers the amount of TG that your liver makes and releases

  2. It lowers the amount of TG in your blood

The way icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) reduces your risk for heart problems isn't fully understood, but it might prevent blood cells from clumping together to form clots. This can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsVascepa
Drug ClassOmega-3 fatty acid
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) essentials

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What are the 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

  • Muscle, bone, and joint pain
  • Swelling in arms, legs, hands, or feet
  • Constipation
  • Gout
  • Irregular heart rhythm
  • Pain in mouth and throat

Other Side Effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Pain in arms, legs, hands, or feet

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
  • Serious 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

Source: DailyMed

The following 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

Constipation

difficulty with moving

muscle pain or stiffness

pain in the joints

pain in the mouth or throat

Incidence not known

Diarrhea

pain in the arms or legs

stomach discomfort

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

Pros and cons of Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)

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Pros

Has been shown to lower the risk for heart problems in people with heart disease or diabetes with other risk factors

Good choice for people with very high triglyceride levels

Safe for use in people age 65 and older

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

thumbs-down

Cons

Might raise your risk of bleeding

Needs to be taken twice a day with food

Might need to take many capsules per day, depending on your dose

Risk of allergic reaction if you're allergic to fish or shellfish

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)

pharmacist
  • Swallow icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) capsules whole. Don't chew, break, or open them to make sure the medication works best for you.

    • Take icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) with or right after food.

      • If you miss a dose of icosapent ethyl (Vascepa), take it when you remember. But don't take two doses at once, as it might raise your risk for side effects.

        • While taking icosapent ethyl (Vascepa), continue eating a healthy diet and exercise regularly. This will give you the best results from the medication.

          • Make sure to tell your provider about all the medications you're taking before starting icosapent ethyl (Vascepa), especially any medications that affect bleeding (e.g., warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix)). Don't start any new medications while taking icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) without talking to your provider or pharmacist first.

            • Your provider might want to monitor your lipid levels through a blood test before starting icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) and while you're taking it.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)

              Does icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) cause weight gain?
              Weight gain wasn't reported by people taking icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) during clinical studies. If you notice unexplained weight gain, contact your provider to discuss possible reasons for it.
              Is icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) a blood thinner?
              No. While icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) isn't considered a blood thinner, it can potentially raise your risk for bleeding. Your risk for bleeding is higher if you're also taking blood-thinning medications. Let your provider know if this concerns you.
              Is icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) fish oil?
              Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) contains purified omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. But, it isn't exactly fish oil. There can be multiple differences when compared to fish oil supplements. Talk to your provider to learn more.
              Can I take icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) and fish oil together?
              Before taking additional fish oil supplements, you should ask your provider first if you're already taking icosapent ethyl (Vascepa). Taking too many products that contain omega-3 fatty acids can be harmful for your health.
              Is icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) a statin?
              No. Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) isn't a statin. It belongs to the class of medications called omega-3 fatty acids. But, it's sometimes used in addition to a statin medication to reduce the risk of heart problems in certain people with high triglycerides.
              Is icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) available as a generic?
              Yes. Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) is available as a lower-cost generic.
              Can I drink alcohol while taking icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)?
              It's not known. The effects of drinking alcohol while taking icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) aren't well-studied. Speak to your provider if you plan to drink alcohol while taking this medication.
              Can I use icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) if I'm pregnant?
              There isn't enough information available to know if icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) is safe to take during pregnancy. In animal studies, icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) caused minor harm to unborn babies. If you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, talk to your provider to see if icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) is right for you.
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              What are the 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.

              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

                Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) 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 icosapent ethyl (Vascepa). If you experience chest pain, dizziness, weakness, or shortness of breath while taking icosapent ethyl (Vascepa), contact your provider.

                risk-warning

                Allergic reactions in people who have fish allergies

                Since icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) 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 icosapent ethyl (Vascepa), especially if you're allergic to fish. Stop taking icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) and seek medical attention right away if you notice hives, swelling of your lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after taking icosapent ethyl (Vascepa).

                risk-warning

                Bleeding

                • Risk factors: Taking icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) with anticoagulants or antiplatelets

                  Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) can raise your risk for bleeding, especially if you're taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin (Coumadin), or antiplatelets, such as aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix). Seek medical attention right away if you experience difficulty stopping a bleed, blood in your urine or stool, coughing up blood, or feeling lightheaded or faint.

                  dosage

                  Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 120 capsules of 1g of Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) is $225.87 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 47.03% off the average retail price of $426.38.
                  capsule
                  Capsule
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  0.5g240 capsules$263.18$1.10
                  1g120 capsules$225.87$1.88

                  Typical dosing for Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)

                  The typical dose is 2 grams by mouth twice a day with food.

                  More on Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) dosage forms

                  interactions

                  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.

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                  How much does Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) cost?

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                  alternatives

                  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.
                  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

                  $98.40 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Used for:
                  • Add-on to diet for the treatment of high triglycerides (TG) in adults with TG levels greater than 500 mg/dL

                  $31.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Used for:
                  $12.38 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  latest news

                  What is the latest news about Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)?

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                  Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) images

                  Amber Vascepa - Vascepa 1g Capsule
                  This medicine is Amber Capsule Imprinted With "Vascepa".Amber Vascepa - Vascepa 1g Capsule

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Amarin Pharma Inc. (2023). Vascepa- icosapent ethyl capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Bhatt, D.L., et al. (2018). Cardiovascular risk reduction with icosapent ethyl for hypertriglyceridemia. The New England Journal of Medicine.

                  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Know your risk for heart disease.

                  View All References (2)

                  Huston, J., et al. (2023). A critical review of icosapent ethyl in cardiovascular risk reduction. American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs.

                  National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (2023). Omega-3 fatty acids: Fact sheet for health professionals.

                  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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