Vascepa differs from traditional cholesterol medications in that it is a prescription omega-3 fatty acid that is used to lower triglyceride levels in the blood. Unlike statins and other traditional cholesterol medications that primarily target lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, Vascepa specifically focuses on reducing high triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood and high levels can increase the risk of heart disease. Vascepa works by reducing the production of triglycerides in the liver and also improves their clearance from the blood. Traditional cholesterol medications like statins primarily work by lowering LDL cholesterol levels, which are known to contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. It's important to note that while traditional cholesterol medications are often used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, Vascepa is specifically indicated for lowering high triglyceride levels in individuals with elevated levels despite statin therapy. [1][2][3]

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/VASCEPA
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol-medications/art-20050958
[3] https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia/cholesterol-medications