Omega-3 Acid Ethyl Esters
Generic Details
Generic Name
Omega-3-Acid-Ethyl-Esters
Other Names
- Fish Oil
- Epanova
- Lovaza
Drug Class
- Lipid-regulating agent
Chemical Formula
Molecular Weight
Mechanism of Action
- Omega-3-Acid-Ethyl-Esters are polyunsaturated fatty acids that work by reducing the production of triglycerides in the liver.
Indications
- Treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia
- Adjunct to diet in severe hypertriglyceridemia
Common Dosage Forms
- Capsules
Typical Dosage
- 4 grams per day, taken as a single dose or divided into two doses
Pediatric Dosage
- Safety and efficacy not established in children
Geriatric Dosage
- Dose adjustment may be necessary in older adults with impaired liver or kidney function
Side Effects
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia.
- Rare but serious side effects may include pancreatitis and allergic reactions.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to fish or shellfish
Pregnancy Category
- Category C - Safety in pregnancy has not been established, benefits should outweigh risks
Lactation Safety
- Caution advised, unknown excretion into human milk
Drug Interactions
- May increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants
Overdose Symptoms
- No specific overdose symptoms reported
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote, treatment is supportive
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Distributed into plasma and erythrocyte lipids
- Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Mainly excreted in the feces
Precautions
- Monitor liver function tests periodically during therapy
Warnings
- Should not be used to treat high cholesterol levels if not associated with high triglyceride levels