Indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe ( > 500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia (HTG).
A lipid-regulating agent, is supplied as a liquid-filled gel capsule for oral administration.
Each 1-gram capsule contains at least i mg of the ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish oils.
Predominantly a combination of ethyl esters of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA – approximately 465 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA – approximately 375 mg).
Less serious side effects may include:
back pain
unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth
upset stomach, belching
mild skin rash.
Medication passes into breast milk.
Medications known to exacerbate hypertriglyceridemia, such as beta blockers, thiazides, estrogens, should be discontinued or changed if possible prior to consideration of triglyceride-lowering drug therapy.
Adverse reactions reported in at least 3% and at a greater rate than placebo:
Eructation
Dyspepsia
Taste perversion
Additional adverse reactions are:
Constipation, gastrointestinal disorder and vomiting.
Increased ALT and increased AST.
Pruritus and rash.
Hass been shown to increase HDL-C, but has no benefit for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.