See the DrugPatentWatch profile for vascepa

The Potential Side Effects of Vascepa: A Comprehensive Review

What is Vascepa?

Vascepa is a prescription medication used to treat high triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. It is an omega-3 fatty acid, specifically a concentrated form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is derived from fish oil. Vascepa is marketed by Amarin Pharmaceuticals and has been approved by the FDA for use in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia.

Common Side Effects

While Vascepa has been shown to be effective in reducing triglycerides, it can cause some side effects. According to the FDA-approved labeling, the most common side effects of Vascepa include:

* Abdominal pain: 11.3% of patients taking Vascepa experienced abdominal pain, compared to 8.4% of patients taking a placebo.
* Nausea: 10.3% of patients taking Vascepa experienced nausea, compared to 7.1% of patients taking a placebo.
* Vomiting: 6.3% of patients taking Vascepa experienced vomiting, compared to 4.1% of patients taking a placebo.
* Diarrhea: 5.8% of patients taking Vascepa experienced diarrhea, compared to 4.4% of patients taking a placebo.
* Fatigue: 5.3% of patients taking Vascepa experienced fatigue, compared to 3.8% of patients taking a placebo.

Less Common Side Effects

In addition to the common side effects listed above, Vascepa can also cause some less common side effects, including:

* Blood disorders: Vascepa can cause changes in blood cell counts, including decreases in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
* Gastrointestinal bleeding: Vascepa can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be serious and potentially life-threatening.
* Hepatotoxicity: Vascepa can cause liver damage, which can be serious and potentially life-threatening.
* Pancreatitis: Vascepa can cause inflammation of the pancreas, which can be serious and potentially life-threatening.

Rare but Serious Side Effects

While rare, Vascepa can cause some serious side effects, including:

* Anaphylaxis: Vascepa can cause a severe allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening.
* Angioedema: Vascepa can cause swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can be life-threatening.
* Hypersensitivity reactions: Vascepa can cause serious allergic reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Conclusion

Vascepa is a prescription medication that has been shown to be effective in reducing triglycerides. While it can cause some side effects, most of these are mild and temporary. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of Vascepa, including the less common and rare but serious side effects. If you are considering taking Vascepa, it is important to discuss the potential side effects with your doctor and to monitor your health closely while taking the medication.

Key Takeaways

* Vascepa is a prescription medication used to treat high triglycerides.
* Common side effects of Vascepa include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.
* Less common side effects of Vascepa include blood disorders, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatotoxicity, and pancreatitis.
* Rare but serious side effects of Vascepa include anaphylaxis, angioedema, and hypersensitivity reactions.
* It is important to discuss the potential side effects of Vascepa with your doctor and to monitor your health closely while taking the medication.

FAQs

1. What is Vascepa used to treat?

Vascepa is used to treat high triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood.

2. What are the common side effects of Vascepa?

The common side effects of Vascepa include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.

3. Can Vascepa cause serious side effects?

Yes, Vascepa can cause serious side effects, including blood disorders, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, anaphylaxis, angioedema, and hypersensitivity reactions.

4. Who should not take Vascepa?

Vascepa is not recommended for patients with a history of pancreatitis or patients who are taking certain medications that can increase the risk of pancreatitis.

5. How do I monitor my health while taking Vascepa?

It is important to monitor your health closely while taking Vascepa, including tracking your blood triglyceride levels and reporting any side effects to your doctor.

Cited Sources

1. Amarin Pharmaceuticals. (2020). Vascepa Prescribing Information.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Vascepa Patent Expiration.
3. FDA. (2012). Vascepa FDA Approval Letter.
4. MedlinePlus. (2020). Vascepa Side Effects.
5. WebMD. (2020). Vascepa Uses and Side Effects.