Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking the Drug?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:

 

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:

 

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

 

 

How Does It Work?

This medication contains two different omega-3 fatty acids -- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Although the specifics of exactly how DHA and EPA work are not yet clear, it is known that they decrease the liver's production of triglycerides.

 

Effects of Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters

In studies, people with very high triglycerides who took omega-3-acid ethyl esters lowered their triglyceride levels by 44.9 percent, while people who took a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients) actually increased their triglycerides by 6.7 percent. Other studies have shown that omega-3-acid ethyl esters is also effective for lowering triglycerides in people who are already taking statin cholesterol medications.

 

Studies have shown that omega-3-acid ethyl esters can sometimes increase LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol"), so it is important for your healthcare provider to check your cholesterol levels regularly.