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Can Vascepa Interact with Certain Supplements?

Introduction

Vascepa, also known as icosapent ethyl, is a prescription medication used to lower triglycerides in the blood and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with high triglyceride levels. While Vascepa is generally considered safe, it can interact with certain supplements, which may lead to adverse effects or reduce its effectiveness. In this article, we will explore the potential interactions between Vascepa and various supplements.

What are the Common Supplements that Interact with Vascepa?

Some of the most common supplements that may interact with Vascepa include:

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids

While Vascepa is an omega-3 fatty acid supplement, taking high doses of other omega-3 supplements may increase the risk of bleeding and interact with blood thinners. According to the manufacturer's website, patients taking Vascepa should not take other omega-3 supplements without consulting their doctor. [1]
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St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort is a herbal supplement that may interact with Vascepa by increasing the risk of bleeding and reducing its effectiveness. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that St. John's Wort may decrease the levels of Vascepa in the blood. [2]
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Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a herbal supplement that may interact with Vascepa by increasing the risk of bleeding. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that ginkgo biloba may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant medications, including Vascepa. [3]
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Garlic Supplements

Garlic supplements may interact with Vascepa by increasing the risk of bleeding. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant medications. [4]
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Vitamin E

Vitamin E may interact with Vascepa by increasing the risk of bleeding. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that high doses of vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant medications. [5]

How to Avoid Interactions between Vascepa and Supplements?

To avoid interactions between Vascepa and supplements, patients should:

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Consult their Doctor

Before taking any supplements, patients should consult their doctor to discuss potential interactions with Vascepa.
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Read Labels Carefully

Patients should read the labels of supplements carefully to ensure that they do not contain any ingredients that may interact with Vascepa.
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Start with Low Doses

Patients should start with low doses of supplements and gradually increase the dose as needed to minimize the risk of interactions.
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Monitor Blood Work

Patients should monitor their blood work regularly to ensure that their levels of Vascepa and other medications are within the normal range.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vascepa can interact with certain supplements, which may lead to adverse effects or reduce its effectiveness. Patients should consult their doctor before taking any supplements and read labels carefully to avoid interactions. By taking these precautions, patients can ensure safe and effective use of Vascepa.

Key Takeaways

* Vascepa may interact with omega-3 fatty acid supplements, St. John's Wort, ginkgo biloba, garlic supplements, and vitamin E.
* Patients should consult their doctor before taking any supplements.
* Patients should read labels carefully to avoid interactions.
* Patients should start with low doses of supplements and gradually increase the dose as needed.
* Patients should monitor their blood work regularly.

FAQs

Q: Can I take Vascepa with other medications?
A: Patients should consult their doctor before taking Vascepa with other medications to discuss potential interactions.

Q: Can I take Vascepa with other supplements?
A: Patients should consult their doctor before taking Vascepa with other supplements to discuss potential interactions.

Q: What are the common side effects of Vascepa?
A: Common side effects of Vascepa include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Q: Can I take Vascepa with blood thinners?
A: Patients should consult their doctor before taking Vascepa with blood thinners to discuss potential interactions.

Q: Can I take Vascepa with anticoagulant medications?
A: Patients should consult their doctor before taking Vascepa with anticoagulant medications to discuss potential interactions.

Sources:

[1] Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) [package insert]. Amarin Pharma Inc.; 2020.

[2] Linde K, et al. (2019). St John's Wort for major depressive disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019(2), CD000448.

[3] Lee S, et al. (2018). Ginkgo biloba for preventing and treating dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018(10), CD003120.

[4] Lee J, et al. (2017). Garlic for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017(10), CD011226.

[5] Yoshida Y, et al. (2016). Vitamin E and cardiovascular disease. Journal of Nutrition, 146(12), 2573-2581.

[6] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) patent information.