VASCEPA

VASCEPA is a prescribed medication used in conjunction with specific medications (statins) to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and specific heart conditions necessitating hospitalization in adults with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and two or more additional heart disease risk factors.

In the REDUCE-IT trial, Vascepa demonstrated a significant reduction of approximately 25% in the risk of cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death, heart attack, stroke, coronary revascularization, or hospitalization for unstable angina, over a period of roughly 4.9 years.

According to a prespecified analysis of the REDUCE-IT RENAL study, daily icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) safely and effectively reduces fatal and nonfatal ischemic events in patients with reduced kidney function.

Vascepa capsules should be taken twice daily with food. You may take your dose during or shortly after a meal. The options include either four 0.5-gram (g) capsules twice daily or two 1-gram capsules twice daily.

Vascepa contains an omega-3 fatty acid, akin to those found in fish oil supplements. However, unlike Vascepa, which exclusively contains EPA, most fish oil supplements contain two types of omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA.

Branded VASCEPA is covered by major national PBMs and health plans, with a generic copay and no prior authorizations or other restrictions.

Dosage and Administration: The recommended daily dose of VASCEPA is 4 grams per day, which can be achieved by taking either four 0.5-gram capsules twice daily with food or two 1-gram capsules twice daily with food.

No, Vascepa is not fish oil; it comprises icosapent ethyl, a modified form of EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil.

Vascepa, by exclusively containing EPA, effectively lowers high triglycerides without raising ‘bad’ cholesterol levels (LDL-C). It is significantly more potent than most over-the-counter (OTC) fish oils, being up to four times stronger, and it comes at a higher cost, approximately $300 per month without insurance.

When it comes to heart health, consuming fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients appears to be more beneficial than relying solely on supplements. If fish isn’t your preference, other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed and flaxseed oil.

In the EVAPORATE study, individuals treated with IPE 4 g/day experienced an early slowing of progression in total plaque and noncalcified plaque volume compared to those receiving a placebo.

VASCEPA is a prescribed medication used in conjunction with specific medications (statins) to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and specific heart conditions necessitating hospitalization in adults with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and two or more additional heart disease risk factors.

ICOSAPENT ETHYL (eye KOE sa pent eth il) is used to treat high triglyceride levels in the blood.

VASCEPA is a prescribed medication used in conjunction with specific medications (statins) to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and specific heart conditions necessitating hospitalization in adults with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and two or more additional heart disease risk factors.

In early November, an advisory panel unanimously voted to expand the usage of Vascepa, a prescription drug derived from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in sardines and anchovies, which is then purified.

Certain conditions may render fish oil harmful. Individuals allergic to fish, shellfish, or soybeans should avoid fish oil consumption. The safety of fish oil in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers is not well-established, so it is advisable to abstain from fish oil consumption during pregnancy, when trying to conceive, or while nursing.

Common side effects of Vascepa may include muscle and joint pain, swelling of the hands, legs, or feet, constipation, mouth or throat pain, or gout. Diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and pain in the extremities have also been reported.

By exclusively containing EPA, Vascepa effectively reduces high triglycerides without raising ‘bad’ cholesterol levels (LDL-C). Vascepa is also significantly more potent than most over-the-counter (OTC) fish oils, being up to four times stronger, and it comes at a higher cost, approximately $300 per month without insurance.

Treatment with icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) at a dose of 4 grams per day did not elevate LDL levels and had no adverse effects on renal function.

Possible allergic reactions may occur if you are allergic to fish or shellfish. Cease Vascepa use and seek immediate medical attention if you exhibit any signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction. Bleeding is another potential side effect of Vascepa, with an increased risk in some individuals.

Officially, Vascepa (icosapent) can thin your blood, slightly elevating the risk of bleeding in individuals receiving Vascepa.

Vascepa may interact with anticoagulants (e.g., apixaban, edoxaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, warfarin), aspirin (ASA), clopidogrel, dipyridamole, heparin, ibrutinib, low molecular weight heparins (e.g., dalteparin, enoxaparin, tinzaparin), increasing the risk of bleeding.

Vascepa is not known to cause liver-related side effects. However, if you already have an existing liver condition, Vascepa may potentially affect your liver function. Additionally, high triglyceride levels, which Vascepa addresses, can increase the risk of liver disease.

Vascepa is not known to interact with alcohol. Nevertheless, it is advisable to limit alcohol consumption while undergoing Vascepa treatment, given its purpose of lowering high triglyceride levels.

Daily icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) has been shown to safely and effectively reduce fatal and nonfatal ischemic events in patients with reduced kidney function, as per a prespecified analysis of the REDUCE-IT RENAL study.

In the EVAPORATE study, patients treated with IPE 4 g/day experienced an early slowing of progression in total plaque and noncalcified plaque volume compared to those receiving a placebo.

The primary distinction lies in the fact that Vascepa exclusively contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), whereas most other fish oils, including prescription fish oils, contain both EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). By solely containing EPA, Vascepa effectively reduces high triglycerides without raising ‘bad’ cholesterol levels (LDL-C).

VASCEPA is used alongside other medications, such as statins, to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain heart problems that require hospitalization in adults. Vascepa is also used with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet to reduce triglycerides (fats) in adults with severely elevated triglyceride levels.

No, erectile dysfunction (ED) is not a known side effect of Vascepa. ED was not reported in clinical trials of the drug. If you are experiencing ED while taking Vascepa, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider.

The MARINE trial, a pivotal study, compared the triglyceride-lowering efficacy of Vascepa to placebo in individuals with triglyceride levels ranging from 500 to 2000 mg/dL over a 12-week period. Those taking 4 grams of Vascepa daily experienced a reduction in triglyceride levels of approximately 33% compared to placebo.

Officially, there are no documented reports suggesting that Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) aids in weight loss.

Joint and muscle pain, as well as constipation, are possible side effects that may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, it is advisable to notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. It is important to remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has determined that the benefits outweigh the risks of potential side effects.

The most likely mechanism of action for IPE, in this context, is its recognized anti-inflammatory role and its role in stabilizing cell membranes.

To take Vascepa, swallow the capsules twice daily with food. You can take your dose either during or immediately after a meal. The options include taking four 0.5-gram (g) capsules twice daily or two 1-gram capsules twice daily.