Vascepa and fish oil are both used to treat high levels of triglycerides in the blood. However, Vascepa is a prescription medication that contains only one type of omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), while fish oil supplements contain a mixture of omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [2].

Vascepa is different from fish oil supplements in several ways. Firstly, Vascepa has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of high triglyceride levels in adults with a prescription, while fish oil supplements are available over-the-counter and are not approved by the FDA to treat any specific medical condition [1]. Secondly, Vascepa is a highly purified form of EPA that is derived from fish oil and has been shown to be more effective than other omega-3 supplements in reducing triglyceride levels [3].

Additionally, Vascepa has been shown to have other benefits beyond just lowering triglyceride levels. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Vascepa reduced the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in patients with high triglyceride levels and other risk factors for heart disease [3]. Fish oil supplements, on the other hand, have not been shown to have the same cardiovascular benefits as Vascepa [2].

In conclusion, while both Vascepa and fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, Vascepa is a prescription medication that contains only EPA and has been shown to be more effective than other omega-3 supplements in reducing triglyceride levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. Fish oil supplements, on the other hand, are available over-the-counter and contain a mixture of omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, and have not been shown to have the same cardiovascular benefits as Vascepa.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/VASCEPA
[2] https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/vascepa-fish-oil-3553311/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4671468/