What does vascepa do?

What are the uses and effects of Vasepa?

Vascepa, also known as icosapent ethyl, is a prescription omega-3 fatty acid medication developed by Amarin Pharmaceuticals to treat various conditions related to high triglycerides in the blood [1]. The medication is an ethyl ester version of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a fatty acid found in fish oil [2].

How does Vascepa work?

Vascepa works by inhibiting the production of triglycerides in the liver, which in turn reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events associated with high triglycerides [3]. It is not a statin or a fiber supplement, but rather a specific medication that targets triglyceride levels.

What conditions does Vascepa treat?

Vascepa is indicated for patients with high triglyceride levels (at least 500 mg/dL) who have failed to achieve adequate triglyceride reduction despite a healthy diet and other treatments [4]. It also has a lower dose (1 gram per day) for patients with triglyceride levels between 150-499 mg/dL [5].

What are the potential benefits of Vascepa?

Studies have shown that Vascepa may help reduce the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including heart attack, stroke, and death from coronary heart disease in patients with high triglyceride levels [6]. It also may help reduce the risk of pancreatitis, a painful and life-threatening condition in patients with severely high triglyceride levels [7].

What are the potential side effects of Vascepa?

Common side effects of Vascepa include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain [8]. In rare cases, it may cause allergic reactions, bleeding, and other serious side effects. Patients taking Vascepa should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor before starting treatment.

Regulatory approval and availability

Vascepa is approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with high triglyceride levels and is available in the United States through prescription only [9]. Patients interested in taking Vascepa should consult their doctor or a healthcare professional to determine if it is right for them.

Sources:
[1] Amarin Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Vascepa Prescribing Information.
[2] National Institutes of Health. (2022). Omega-3 fatty acids.
[3] Amarin Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Vascepa Highlights of Prescribing Information.
[4] Amarin Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Vascepa Prescribing Information.
[5] Amarin Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Vascepa Prescribing Information.
[6] American Heart Association. (2022). Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease.
[7] American Gastroenterological Association. (2022). Pancreatitis and triglycerides.
[8] Medscape. (2022). Vascepa Prescribing Information.
[9] FDA. (2022). Vascepa Approval.