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Overview: Icosapent ethyl is used to lower high triglyceride levels. It may work by decreasing the amount of certain fats made by the liver and decreasing the amount of fats in the blood. Common side effects may include muscle and joint pain, fluid retention, and constipation. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any unusual bleeding, and get emergency help if you have chest pain or changes in your heart rate or rhythm. Icosapent ethyl comes as a capsule that is taken by mouth.

Uses

What is icosapent ethyl used for?

Icosapent ethyl is commonly used to decrease high fat levels (triglycerides). Decreasing triglyceride levels may help reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related procedures.

Icosapent ethyl may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does icosapent ethyl work (mechanism of action)?

Icosapent ethyl decreases the amount of certain fats made by the liver. Icosapent ethyl also works to decrease the amount of fats in your blood.

How is icosapent ethyl supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Vascepa 

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5 gram oral capsules
  • 1 gram oral capsules

How should I store icosapent ethyl?

Icosapent ethyl should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of icosapent ethyl?

The most common side effects of icosapent ethyl are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Fluid retention
  • Constipation
  • Gout
  • Abnormal heart rhythm (see below)

There may be other side effects of icosapent ethyl that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of icosapent ethyl?

While less common, the most serious side effects of icosapent ethyl are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Icosapent ethyl may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking icosapent ethyl and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Abnormal Heart Rhythm. Icosapent ethyl may cause your heart to not beat in rhythm, called atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, especially if you have or are at risk for heart disease. Get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of heart rhythm changes.

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding or skipping heartbeat

Bleeding. Icosapent ethyl may increase your risk of bleeding, especially if you are taking a blood thinner. Tell your health care provider about all other medicines you are taking before starting icosapent ethyl. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking icosapent ethyl.

  • Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
  • Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
  • Red or black stools (looks like tar)
  • Coughing up blood or blood clots

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use icosapent ethyl?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take icosapent ethyl.

  • Icosapent ethyl
  • Vascepa
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific icosapent ethyl products they stock.

What should I know about icosapent ethyl before using it?

Do not take icosapent ethyl unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share icosapent ethyl with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep icosapent ethyl out of the reach of children.

Do not chew, cut, crush, or dissolve icosapent ethyl.

Take icosapent ethyl with food.

What should I tell my health care provider before using icosapent ethyl?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if icosapent ethyl is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Fish or Shellfish Allergy. Icosapent ethyl contains oil from a fish and has the potential to cause an allergic reaction if you have a fish or shellfish allergy. Stop taking icosapent ethyl and get help right away if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Abnormal bleeding 
  • Diabetes
  • Liver problem
  • Pancreas problem
  • Thyroid problem

Other Medicines and Supplements. Icosapent ethyl may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using icosapent ethyl, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how icosapent ethyl could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. Icosapent ethyl passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take icosapent ethyl while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does icosapent ethyl interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between icosapent ethyl and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect icosapent ethyl.

Does icosapent ethyl interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any blood thinners, which are medicines used to treat or prevent blood clots.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with icosapent ethyl. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much icosapent ethyl?

If you or someone else has used too much icosapent ethyl, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of icosapent ethyl?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. 

Images

Vascepa

GENERIC: Icosapent

Imprint: VASCEPA
Strength: 1 g
Color: yellow
Shape: oval