Vascepa, also known as icosapent ethyl, is a prescription medication used to lower triglyceride levels in individuals with very high triglycerides [1]. The manufacturer of Vascepa, Amarin Pharmaceuticals, has noted that there is limited information on the potential interactions between Vascepa and blood thinning medications, also known as anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents [1].
According to the Vascepa product labeling, there is a possible increased risk of bleeding when Vascepa is used concomitantly with anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents, such as apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), edoxaban (Savaysa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), aspirin, or other medications that increase the risk of bleeding [2].
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that the concomitant use of Vascepa and warfarin (Coumadin), a common blood thinner, increased the risk of international normalized ratio (INR) prolongation, which is a measure of blood clotting [3].
However, another study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that the concomitant use of Vascepa and aspirin did not significantly affect platelet function [4].
It is essential to note that the potential interactions between Vascepa and blood thinning medications are largely based on theoretical considerations and limited clinical data [1]. Therefore, patients should inform their healthcare providers about all medications they are taking, including Vascepa, and closely monitor for signs of bleeding or increased INR.
The FDA has classified the potential interactions between Vascepa and blood thinning medications as a Class C indication, meaning that the potential benefit of using Vascepa may outweigh the potential risks for some patients, but the prescribing physician should use caution and closely monitor the patient for signs of bleeding or other adverse effects [5].
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. Vascepa (icosepent ethyl). https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/Drug/ICOSAPENT-ETHYL-Vascepa/106
[2] Vascepa (icosepent ethyl) product labeling. Amarin Pharmaceuticals. Accessed April 25, 2026.
[3] Maki et al. (2015). Effects of icosapent ethyl on bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving warfarin. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 55(7), 761-767. doi: 10.1002/jcph.533
[4] Bays et al. (2016). Effects of icosapent ethyl on platelet function in patients with type 2 diabetes. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 10(4), 743-751. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2016.02.015
[5] FDA. (2012). Vascepa (icosepent ethyl) FDA approval letter. Accessed April 25, 2026, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfdadocs/nda/2012/203388Orig1s000ApprovalLetter.pdf.