Does vascepa contain shellfish ingredients?

What's in Vascepa?

Vascepa is an omega-3 fatty acid medication used to treat high triglycerides. According to its manufacturer, Amarin Pharmaceuticals [1], Vascepa is an EPA-based omega-3 fatty acid derived from a molecular distillate of fish oil that is free of most EPA and DHA in the fish oil.

Fish-Sourced Ingredients?

The question concerns the use of shellfish in Vascepa's production. Amarin Pharmaceuticals has clarified that Vascepa does not contain shellfish-derived ingredients. However, it does use fish oil as its primary source [1]. The company ensures the production process is free from the presence of shellfish-derived allergens.

Shellfish Allergen Statement

Amarin Pharmaceuticals acknowledges that fish oil is a product derived from fish, which may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, but does not contain shellfish. If a Vascepa consumer has a shellfish allergy, they can safely take the medication without concern.

Patent and FDA Clearance

Vascepa, with its non-shellfish ingredients, received FDA clearance for treating very high triglycerides and was patented and licensed to Amarin Pharmaceuticals through a 2017 patent agreement [2]. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, this patent will expire in the future. [3]

Clinical Use and Safety

If a patient with a shellfish allergy is prescribed Vascepa, they should be aware of this information when consulting their healthcare provider.

References

[1]: Amarin Pharmaceuticals. About Vascepa. Retrieved from https://www.amarin.com/en/About-Vascepa.aspx

[2]: Amarin Pharmaceuticals. (2017). U.S. Patent for Vascepa (EPA icosapent oil). Retrieved from U.S. Patent and Trademark website

[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. Vascepa (EPA icosapent oil) patent. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-20170001141A1 (Please check link, as it may be outdated or not accessible).