Generic name: Icosapent
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Icosapent Ethyl?
Icosapent is used together with other medicines (such as statins) to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and some types of heart problems that need hospitalization in adults.
Icosapent is used together with a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet to reduce triglycerides (fats) in adults with severely high triglycerides.
It is not known whether icosapent will lower your risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of your pancreas).
Icosapent may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use icosapent if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver disease;
- diabetes;
- a thyroid disorder;
- problems with your pancreas;
- a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; or
- if you are allergic to fish or shellfish.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Icosapent can pass into breast milk, and may harm your baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Icosapent is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use Icosapent Ethyl
Use Icosapent Ethyl (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take with food.
Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
You will need frequent blood tests.
Icosapent is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Icosapent Ethyl side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- fast or irregular heartbeats, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fainting, or if you feel light-headed; or
- serious bleeding.
Common side effects may include:
- muscle or joint pain;
- constipation;
- swelling of the hands, legs, or feet.
- gout; or
- chest pressure, racing or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, feeling short of breath.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Icosapent Ethyl?
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Icosapent will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol lowering diet plan.