Icosapent Ethyl (Including D-Alpha-Tocopherol as Antioxidant)
Indications
Icosapent ethyl is a highly purified form of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid from fish oil. It is used in adults:
- Together with a statin, to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events in people with raised triglycerides (blood fats) who have heart disease, or who have diabetes plus other heart risk factors
- Together with diet, to lower very high triglyceride levels (500 mg/dL or more)
The capsules also contain a small amount of vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopherol) to protect the oil from going off; it is not there as a treatment.
How It Works
EPA reduces the amount of triglyceride the liver makes and increases its removal from the blood. It also has effects on blood vessel walls, inflammation, platelets and the stability of fatty plaques in arteries, which are thought to help reduce cardiovascular events.
Dosage and Administration
The usual adult dose is 4 g a day, taken as 2 g (two 1 g capsules) twice daily with food, as prescribed by a doctor. Swallow the capsules whole; do not break, crush, dissolve or chew them. Continue your diet and other prescribed treatments, such as a statin.
Interactions
It may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants (such as Warfarin, Apixaban, Rivaroxaban) or antiplatelet medicines (such as Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor). Your doctor may monitor you more closely. Tell your doctor about other fish oil or omega-3 supplements you take.
Contraindications
Do not take icosapent ethyl if you are allergic to it or to any ingredient of the capsule.
Side Effects
Possible side effects include:
- Joint or muscle pain
- Swelling of the hands, legs or feet
- Constipation, diarrhoea or indigestion
- Gout
- Atrial fibrillation or flutter (irregular heart rhythm), especially in people who have had it before
- Increased bleeding or bruising
Get urgent medical help if you have a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat with dizziness or breathlessness, signs of serious bleeding (black stools, vomiting blood, blood in urine, bleeding that will not stop), or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is limited information on use in pregnancy, so it should be used only if the doctor considers it necessary. EPA passes into breast milk; ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have a fish or shellfish allergy, liver disease, a history of irregular heartbeat, or a bleeding problem. Liver tests and cholesterol levels may be checked during treatment. Before surgery or dental procedures, tell the doctor or dentist that you take it.
Overdose
Taking more than prescribed may increase stomach upset and the risk of bleeding. Contact a doctor if you take a large overdose or notice unusual bleeding.
Therapeutic Class
Lipid-modifying agent; omega-3 fatty acid (purified EPA ethyl ester).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Icosapent Ethyl (Including D-Alpha-Tocopherol As Antioxidant)