Omega-3 Side Effects (Cont.)

Serious Omega-3 Side Effects

Some side effects with omega-3 fatty acids, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported to your healthcare provider. These side effects may indicate that you should stop taking omega-3. These include but are not limited to:
 
  • Any signs of bleeding (which may theoretically occur with high doses of omega-3 fatty acids), such as:
 
    • Easy bruising or bleeding
    • Black, tarry stools; bright red blood in the stool; or vomiting of blood (signs of gastrointestinal bleeding)
    • Signs of a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain), such as vision or speech changes, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or a severe headache
 
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia), usually in people who already have diabetes
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
 
    • An unexplained rash
    • Hives
    • Itching
    • Unexplained swelling
    • Wheezing
    • Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
 
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can also increase LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol"). Of course, dangerous side effects are possible if a fish oil omega-3 supplement contains heavy metals or other toxins, some of which may be carcinogenic (may increase the risk of cancer). This is why it is important to choose a fish oil supplement that has been adequately purified and tested for toxins.
 

Final Thoughts on Omega-3 Side Effects

If you think you are experiencing an omega-3 fatty acid side effect, please let your healthcare provider know. Also, let him or her know if you develop something that "just does not seem right." While it may not be an omega-3 side effect, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;