Vascepa is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. It contains the active ingredient icosapent ethyl, which is a highly purified form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Vascepa works by reducing the production of triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood, which can contribute to the development of heart disease.
Indications
Vascepa is primarily used to lower triglyceride levels in adults with very high levels of triglycerides (500 mg/dL or higher). It can also be used in combination with statins (another type of cholesterol-lowering medication) to further reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with established cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Dosage
The recommended starting dose of Vascepa is 2 grams (2 Capsules) taken once daily with food. The dosage may be increased to 4 grams (4 Capsules) per day if needed, but only under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
*Vascepa Capsules are available in a single strength of 1 gram.
Usage Instructions
- Vascepa, is a drug that comes in the form of Capsules only to be taken orally, in only one concentrations of 1 gram.
- Vascepa is usually taken once a day in the evening , or as directed by your doctor. It is recommended to take Vascepa at around the same time each day.
- Carefully follow the instructions of your health care provider in terms of dosage, and in terms of adherence to the diet or other instructions recommended by your physician.
- You should not take a dose more or less than that prescribed by your doctor.
- Usually, the doctor prescribes a low dose at the beginning of treatment and then gradually increases the dose.
- Continue taking the medication even if you feel better, and do not stop taking Vascepa without first talking to your doctor.
- If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, you must tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Vascepa.
- If you are hospitalized as a result of an accident or serious infection, you should tell the doctors who treat you that you are taking Vascepa.
- Drinking alcoholic beverages may increase the possibility and risk of side effects from the use of Vascepa.
- Make sure to eat low-fat food and stick to a low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all exercise and nutritional recommendations given by your doctor or dietitian.
Side effects
The most common side effect of Vascepa is joint pain, which occurs in about 2% of patients. Other less common side effects include muscle pain, back pain, and skin rash. In rare cases, Vascepa can cause an allergic reaction, which can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
Precautions
- Vascepa should not be taken by patients with a known allergy to fish or shellfish, as it is derived from fish oil.
- It should also be used with caution in patients with liver disease or pancreatitis.
- Vascepa may increase the risk of bleeding, so it should be used with caution in patients taking anticoagulant medications.
FAQs
Q1. What are the guidelines for taking Vascepa? The guidelines for taking Vascepa are to take it once daily with food, as directed by a healthcare provider. The dosage may be increased if needed, but only under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Q2. What is the mechanism of action of Vascepa? The mechanism of action of Vascepa is to reduce the production of triglycerides in the liver, which can help lower blood triglyceride levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Q3. Is Vascepa the same as Omega-3? Vascepa is not the same as Omega-3 supplements. Vascepa contains a highly purified form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is a type of Omega-3 fatty acid, but it is not the same as over-the-counter Omega-3 supplements.
Q4. Is Vascepa good for fatty liver? Vascepa may be beneficial for fatty liver disease, as it can help reduce triglyceride levels in the liver. However, it should be used with caution in patients with liver disease and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Q5. For How long can you take Vascepa? The duration of Vascepa treatment will depend on the individual patient’s needs and the recommendation of their healthcare provider. Normally, it is prescribed for 3 monthes, then your doctor may ask you to test your blood triglycerides levels before prescribing it once again.
Q6. Does Vascepa affect the kidneys? Vascepa has not been shown to have a significant effect on kidney function in clinical studies. However, patients with kidney disease should use Vascepa with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Q7. When is the best time to take Vascepa? The best time to take Vascepa is with food, as this can help improve absorption and reduce the risk of stomach upset.
Q8. Does Vascepa lower blood pressure? Vascepa is not typically used to lower blood pressure, but it may have a mild blood pressure-lowering effect in some patients.
Q9. Can Vascepa cause hair loss? Hair loss is not a known side effect of Vascepa.
Q10. Can Vascepa raise blood sugar? Vascepa has not been shown to significantly affect blood sugar levels in clinical studies. However, patients with diabetes should use Vascepa with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Q11. Who should not take Vascepa? Patients with a known allergy to fish or shellfish should not take Vascepa. Vascepa should also be used with caution in patients with liver disease or pancreatitis and in patients taking certain medications, such as anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs.
Q12. Does Vascepa case weight gain or weight loss? Weight gain or weight loss is not a known side effect of Vascepa. However, changes in weight may occur as a result of other factors, such as changes in diet or exercise.
What Do I Need to Tell the Doctor?
There are also some medical conditions that require caution when taking icosapent ethyl, and therefore you should tell your doctor if you are currently suffering or have ever had any of the following conditions and conditions:
- Drink alcoholic beverages, because alcohol affects the health of the liver, and concomitant treatment with Vascepa pills with alcohol, may increase the harmful effects of the drug on the liver.
- If your age is over 65 years, elderly people often suffer from a decrease in liver and kidney function, and therefore they are more likely to experience the negative effects of this medicine.
- A decrease in the activity of the thyroid gland, because a sluggish thyroid gland may increase the possibility of fat deposition on the walls of the arteries, and therefore you may need special doses if you have a sluggish thyroid gland.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop diseases associated with high blood cholesterol.
- Epilepsy and Convulsions: Epilepsy is a disease that can cause muscle damage, especially during prolonged seizures, and patients with this disease may be at increased risk for muscle pain caused by icosapent ethyl treatment.
- Kidney or liver disease
Patients with hypercholesterolemia should make lifestyle changes to help lower their cholesterol levels. This may include following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Your healthcare provider mas ask you to do some blood test that measure liver function, and based on the results of these tests, the doctor will decide whether or not to use icosapent ethyl. You should tell your doctor if you are currently suffering, or have ever had, from diseases related to the liver.
Major drug interactions
Vascepa may interact with some medications, including anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, and fibrates. Patients taking these medications should consult with their healthcare provider before taking Vascepa.
Increased risk of muscle & joint pain when Vascepa is given with certain drugs: The risk of developing myopathy increases if cyclosporine, fibrinoic acid derivatives, or macrolide antibiotics,such as erythromycin, or derivative antifungals are given at the same time.
Warfarin: Concomitant administration of warfarin with icosapent ethyl resulted in a slight decrease in prothrombin time during the first days of starting treatment, then it returned to normal within 15 days of treatment with icosapent ethyl. However, patients taking warfarin should be monitored when icosapent ethyl is added to their treatment.
Other related medicines commonly prescribed with Vascepa
In addition to Vascepa, patients with high cholesterol may also be prescribed other medications, such as statins, niacin, and bile acid sequestrants.
Summary of information about Vascepa
- Vascepa has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in patients with elevated triglyceride levels.
- Vascepa is a highly purified form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of Omega-3 fatty acid, and is different from over-the-counter Omega-3 supplements.
- Vascepa is typically well-tolerated, but some patients may experience side effects such as joint pain, muscle pain, and skin rash.
- Vascepa should be used with caution in patients with liver disease, pancreatitis, or a known allergy to fish or shellfish.
- Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, can also help improve heart health in conjunction with Vascepa treatment.
- Vascepa should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider, and the dosage may be adjusted based on the patient’s individual needs and response to treatment.
فاسيبا ۱جرام كبسولات أوميغا ۳ عالي النقاء لصحة القلب والأوعية الدموية
*ATC Code: C10AX06 . Produced by: Amarin Pharmaceuticals Ireland Ltd. – KSA agent: Salehiya Trading Co. Brand name: Vazkepa.