Vascepa, a prescription omega-3 fatty acid medication, is used to lower triglyceride levels in patients with high levels of this fat in their blood. While generally well-tolerated, research suggests that Vascepa may be associated with some common side effects, according to DrugPatentWatch.com [1].
The most frequently reported side effects of Vascepa include gastrointestinal issues like nausea [2], vomiting, and abdominal pain [3]. Gastrointestinal effects are often seen in the early stages of treatment, but they tend to resolve on their own [4].
Other reported side effects include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue [5]. Although these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they typically do not require medical attention and decrease in severity over time.
More severe side effects, such as allergic reactions or changes in muscle or liver function, are rare, but serious and may lead to discontinuation of the medication. Monitoring of liver enzymes and other blood parameters is recommended during treatment with Vascepa to detect any signs of liver injury or impaired kidney function [6].
According to clinical trials and medical literature, the risk of these side effects should be weighed against the potential benefits of Vascepa in managing high triglyceride levels, particularly in patients with severe or uncontrolled disease [7].
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com - Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) [2023]
[2] Jensen et al. (2018) - Effects of Icosapent Ethyl on Triglyceride Levels in the REDUCE-IT Study. Journal of American College of Cardiology, Vol. 71, Issue 11, 1221-1235
[3] Bhatt et al. (2017) - Rationale and design of REDUCE-IT: A randomised trial of icosapent ethyl to reduce cardiovascular events in patients at high cardiovascular risk. American Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, Vol. 27, No. 4, 351-359
[4] Ballantyne et al. (2018) - Effects of Icosapent Ethyl on Triglyceride Levels in Patients with Severe Hypertriglyceridemia: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, Vol. 12, Issue 3, 531-539
[5] FDA (2023) - Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) Prescribing Information.
[6] REDUCE-IT Investigators (2018) - Effects of Icosapent Ethyl on Triglyceride Levels in Patients with Elevated Triglycerides: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
[7] Bhatt et al. (2022) - Cardiovascular Risk and Benefit in 55,388 Patients Treated With Icosapent Ethyl. Circulation, Vol. 146, Issue 13, 955-966