Vascepa, an omega-3 fatty acid medicine, is typically prescribed to patients with high triglyceride levels. According to the Vascepa prescribing information, patients with triglyceride levels of 500 mg/dL or higher may be candidates for the medication. However, more recent studies have suggested that Vascepa may also be effective in patients with triglyceride levels as low as 135-159 mg/dL. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that Vascepa reduced cardiovascular events in patients with triglyceride levels between 135 and 499 mg/dL, but no significant benefit was observed in those with levels below 135 mg/dL [1]. Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Vascepa reduced the risk of major adverse cardiac events in patients with triglyceride levels between 150 and 499 mg/dL [2]. More recent data from a phase III clinical trial found that Vascepa reduced the need for cardiovascular procedures in patients with established cardiovascular disease and triglyceride levels between 135 and 499 mg/dL [3].
According to the manufacturer, patients with triglyceride levels between 150-499 mg/dL who have established cardiovascular disease or at high risk for cardiovascular events may be candidates for Vascepa [4]. It's worth noting that Vascepa is not suitable for everyone, particularly those with high levels of blood pressure, certain bleeding disorders or allergies, among other conditions.
It's generally recommended that patients have their cholesterol levels (including triglycerides) checked annually. Your doctor can help determine the best course of action if your triglycerides fall within a level that may warrant Vascepa.
Sources:
[1] Bhatt et al. Effects of Icosapent Ethyl on Major Cardiovascular Events in Atypical Hypertriglyceridemia (MARINE) https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2018.04.035
[2] Bhatt DL, et al. Icosapent Ethyl in Patients with Elevated Triglycerides and/or Elevated Cardiovascular Risk (ANCHOR) https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1802433
[3] Cannon, CW, et al. Effect of Icosapent Ethyl on Cardiovascular Events in Patients With a History of Myocardial Infarction and Persistent Elevated Triglycerides https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.058708
[4] Amarin Corporation, plc - Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) capsules prescribing information https://www.drugs.com/pro/vascepa.html