Icosapent Ethyl (By mouth)
eye-KOE-sa-pent ETH-il
Treats high levels of triglycerides (fat-like substances) in your blood. This medicine is used together with diet, exercise, and weight loss to help control triglyceride levels.
Drug classes
Antihyperlipidemic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Icosapent ethyl is used together with a proper diet to lower very high triglyceride (fat-like substance) levels in the blood.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid Filled Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, chew, dissolve, or open it.
Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions about any special diet.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix®), certain blood pressure medicines (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Bystolic®, Tenormin®), a diuretic (water pill, such as hydrochlorothiazide), or any medicine that contains estrogen (including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy).
When Not To Use
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to icosapent ethyl (an omega-3 fatty acid also known as EPA).
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, diabetes, pancreas problems, or an underactive thyroid. Tell your doctor if are allergic to fish or shellfish, or if you drink alcohol.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Vascepa
There may be other brand names for this medicine.