Vascepa is a prescription medication used to reduce high triglyceride levels in adults. It contains a purified form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. According to the drug patent watch [1], Vascepa was first approved by the FDA in 2012 and is currently under patent protection until 2030.

The medicalnewstoday [2] and healthline [3] articles state that while Vascepa is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, it may cause some side effects. Common side effects of Vascepa include joint pain, muscle pain, and back pain. Less common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and headache. In rare cases, Vascepa may cause serious side effects such as an allergic reaction or bleeding. Patients taking Vascepa should be monitored for signs of bleeding and should not take it if they have a known allergy to fish or shellfish.

Regarding its effect on long-term health, there is some evidence to suggest that Vascepa may have benefits beyond reducing triglyceride levels. The healthline article [3] reports that a clinical trial called REDUCE-IT found that Vascepa reduced the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in patients with high triglyceride levels. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of Vascepa.

In conclusion, Vascepa is a medication used to reduce high triglyceride levels in adults. While generally considered safe and well-tolerated, it may cause some side effects. There is some evidence to suggest that Vascepa may have benefits beyond reducing triglyceride levels, but more research is needed to fully understand its long-term health effects.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/VASCEPA
[2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-vascepa-side-effects
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/vascepa