Vascepa is a prescription drug that contains the active ingredient icosapent ethyl and is used to lower high triglyceride levels in adults. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood that can increase the risk of heart disease. However, the question is whether Vascepa is effective for lowering LDL, also known as "bad" cholesterol.
According to the sources provided, Vascepa has not been shown to have a significant effect on LDL cholesterol levels. The drug's primary mechanism of action is to reduce triglyceride levels, which it has been shown to do effectively [1]. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that Vascepa reduced triglyceride levels by 21.5% compared to placebo [2].
While Vascepa has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with high triglyceride levels, it is important to note that this effect is independent of any changes in LDL cholesterol levels [3]. In fact, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Vascepa significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with elevated triglyceride levels, even in those who had well-controlled LDL cholesterol levels [4].
In conclusion, while Vascepa has not been shown to have a significant effect on LDL cholesterol levels, it has been shown to effectively reduce triglyceride levels and lower the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with high triglyceride levels. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if Vascepa is an appropriate treatment option for individual patients.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/VASCEPA
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4671468/
[3] https://clarivate.com/blog/cv-risk-vascepa-doesnt-just-reduce-vascepa-slashes/
[4] https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1812792