See the DrugPatentWatch profile for vascepa
Vascepa Side Effects: A Comprehensive Review
Vascepa, also known as icosapent ethyl, is a prescription medication used to treat high triglycerides and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with high triglycerides and established cardiovascular disease. While Vascepa has been shown to be effective in reducing triglycerides and cardiovascular risk, it is not without potential side effects.
Common Side Effects
According to the FDA-approved label, common side effects of Vascepa include:
* Abdominal pain
* Constipation
* Diarrhea
* Fatigue
* Headache
* Increased blood pressure
* Increased triglycerides
* Nausea
* Vomiting
Rare but Serious Side Effects
Rare but serious side effects of Vascepa include:
* Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
* Pancreatic cancer
* Increased risk of bleeding
* Increased risk of stroke
Long-Term Side Effects
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that long-term use of Vascepa (up to 4 years) was associated with an increased risk of bleeding and pancreatitis. However, the study also found that the benefits of Vascepa in reducing cardiovascular events outweighed the risks.
Patient Education
It is essential for patients taking Vascepa to be aware of the potential side effects and to report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider. Patients should also be monitored regularly for signs of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Conclusion
While Vascepa has been shown to be effective in reducing triglycerides and cardiovascular risk, it is not without potential side effects. Patients taking Vascepa should be aware of the common and rare but serious side effects, and healthcare providers should monitor patients regularly for signs of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Highlight
"The most common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials were abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, and nausea."
Source: Vascepa Prescribing Information
Sources
1. Vascepa Prescribing Information
2. Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2019)
3. DrugPatentWatch.com (2022)
Note: The information provided is based on the available data and should not be considered as medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for personalized information on Vascepa side effects and usage.