Indications
- Vascepa is indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride levels in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia.
- It is prescribed to lower triglyceride levels in patients with triglyceride levels of 500 mg/dL or higher who are at risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke.
Dosage and administration
- The recommended dosage of Vascepa is 4 grams (4 capsules) orally twice daily with food.
- The capsules should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or dissolved.
- Vascepa can be taken with or without water.
- It is important to take Vascepa consistently as prescribed by your healthcare provider to achieve optimal results.
- If a dose of Vascepa is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed.
- Patients should not exceed the recommended dosage of Vascepa without consulting their healthcare provider.
Side effects
- The recommended dosage of Vascepa is 4 grams (4 capsules) orally twice daily with food.
- The capsules should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or dissolved.
- Vascepa can be taken with or without water.
- It is important to take Vascepa consistently as prescribed by your healthcare provider to achieve optimal results.
- If a dose of Vascepa is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed.
- Patients should not exceed the recommended dosage of Vascepa without consulting their healthcare provider.
Precautions
- Inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, especially liver disease, diabetes, or allergies, before taking Vascepa.
- Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as the safety of Vascepa during pregnancy or lactation has not been established.
- Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal supplements, as they may interact with Vascepa.
- Use caution when taking Vascepa if you have a history of bleeding disorders or are taking anticoagulant medications, as Vascepa may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Monitor for signs of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or abdominal pain, while taking Vascepa.
- Keep Vascepa out of reach of children and pets, and store it at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
- Follow up with your healthcare provider regularly to monitor your response to Vascepa and adjust the treatment plan as needed.