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Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters
Omega-3-acid ethyl esters is a prescription medicine licensed to treat very high levels of triglycerides. It is a fish oil product that contains EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that help decrease the liver's production of triglycerides. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters comes in the form of a capsule that is taken once or twice daily. Side effects of this medication may include infections, burping, and heartburn.
Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza®) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of very high triglycerides. It is made from fish oil and is highly refined to remove toxins, impurities, fat, and cholesterol.
This medication was originally named Omacor®, but the name was changed due to potential confusion with another drug with a similar name.
(Click What Is Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters Used For? for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the common side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Burping
- Infections
- Flu symptoms (such as a fever or chills)
- Indigestion or heartburn.
(Click Side Effects of Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD