Vascepa

Diabetes, Cardiovascular Events, Diet + 4 more
Treatment
6 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Vascepa

What is Vascepa

Icosapent ethylThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryIcosapent Ethyl is a synthetic form of omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It is used to treat high levels of triglycerides in the blood (above 500 mg/dL), when other treatments have failed. The FDA approved Icosapent Ethyl in 2012.
Vascepais the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Vascepa Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Vascepa
Icosapent ethyl
2012
14

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Icosapent ethyl, otherwise known as Vascepa, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses such as Hospitalizations and Diabetes .
Hospitalizations
Diabetes
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular Events
elevation of serum triglyceride levels

Effectiveness

How Vascepa works in the bodyStudies suggest that EPA reduces triglycerides in the liver and increases the rate of triglyceride breakdown in the body. This is likely due to increased fat burning, decreased fat creation, and increased breakdown of fat in the bloodstream.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested amount of Vascepa hinges on the determined condition. The dosage also depends on the mode of administration outlined in the table below.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hospitalizations
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 0.625 mg, 998.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Cardiovascular Diseases
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 0.625 mg, 998.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
elevation of serum triglyceride levels
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 0.625 mg, 998.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Cardiovascular Events
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 0.625 mg, 998.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Diet
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 0.625 mg, 998.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Cardiovascular Disease
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 0.625 mg, 998.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Diabetes
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 0.625 mg, 998.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated

Warnings

Vascepa Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Icosapent Ethyl may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Vascepa.
Common Vascepa Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abrocitinib
Major
The risk or severity of bleeding and thrombocytopenia can be increased when Icosapent ethyl is combined with Abrocitinib.
Aldesleukin
Minor
The risk or severity of bleeding can be increased when Icosapent ethyl is combined with Aldesleukin.
Alemtuzumab
Minor
The risk or severity of bleeding can be increased when Icosapent ethyl is combined with Alemtuzumab.
Altretamine
Minor
The risk or severity of bleeding can be increased when Icosapent ethyl is combined with Altretamine.
Amsacrine
Minor
The risk or severity of bleeding can be increased when Icosapent ethyl is combined with Amsacrine.
Vascepa Toxicity & Overdose RiskIcosapent ethyl is generally safe to use and unlikely to cause any adverse reactions.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Vascepa Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Vascepa?

Four active clinical trials are presently underway to assess the efficacy of Vascepa in managing Hypertriglyceridemia.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Cardiovascular Disease
30 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Early Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 2
Hospitalizations
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
elevation of serum triglyceride levels
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Diet
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Cardiovascular Events
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Cardiovascular Diseases
0 Actively Recruiting
Diabetes
539 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Early Phase 1

Vascepa Reviews: What are patients saying about Vascepa?

5Patient Review
1/24/2020
Vascepa for Primary Prevention of Heart Attack
I started this treatment in March 2018 with no problems whatsoever. My bloodwork has actually shown improvement, and I feel great about my heart health in general. Sign up for the coupon at vasecpa savings plan--it's worth it! Also, ignore the bad reviews; they're probably from a competitor. This product is a game changer!
5Patient Review
6/8/2019
Vascepa for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
I'm so happy that this drug has been able to help me in so many ways. Not only have my lipids improved, but I've also experienced less brain fog and overall inflammation. I haven't had any negative side effects, which is amazing.
5Patient Review
12/19/2019
Vascepa for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
I had no issues whatsoever with this drug, and it worked great! I don't know what people are talking about when they say they've experienced side effects.
4.3Patient Review
3/3/2020
Vascepa for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
I switched to Vascepa from the generic EPA, and it worked well for me. The cost is a bit high, though.
3.3Patient Review
7/27/2022
Vascepa for Treatment to Prevent a Heart Attack
Although this treatment didn't have the intended effect of decreasing my cholesterol (as shown by bloodwork), it also didn't come with any negative side effects.
2.3Patient Review
4/2/2019
Vascepa for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
I unfortunately had some pretty severe allergic reactions to this treatment. Namely, hives on my stomach and a rash that looked like poison ivy developed on both of my forearms.
2.3Patient Review
9/29/2022
Vascepa for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
I didn't feel great while taking this medicine, and it seemed to interact negatively with some of my other medications. My doctor took me off of it, and now I'm just trying to detox from it.
2.3Patient Review
12/26/2018
Vascepa for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
I've only been taking this medication for a few weeks, but I've already developed joint pain and severe diarrhea. I'll be stopping use of the drug.
2Patient Review
1/15/2020
Vascepa for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
My doctor recommended this to me, but it didn't work. My triglycerides actually went up after taking it for six weeks! I use Fenofibric Besylate now and have been for 15 years - it's much more effective.
2Patient Review
2/23/2022
Vascepa for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
I've been on this medication for two months now and I'm experiencing joint pain in my elbow and shoulder like never before. Additionally, the heaviness and pain in my legs has made it impossible to walk even short distances. I came off the medication yesterday and have a follow-up appointment next week. In my opinion, the negatives of this treatment outweigh the positives.
2Patient Review
11/10/2021
Vascepa for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
I took this medication for weeks, but experienced extreme diarrhea the whole time. I stopped taking it, but even after a few weeks I was still passing pills in my stool. I've had tests done and it seems like the pills are just stored in my intestines, causing me a lot of distress.
1.7Patient Review
12/20/2021
Vascepa for Stroke Prevention
I took Vascepa for a week and stopped because of adverse effects. I have been off of it for three weeks and I am still having terrible pain in my feet and hands. I can't sleep because of the pain. Terrible! Hope the side effects will go away soon.
1.7Patient Review
8/29/2021
Vascepa for Changes Involving Fatty Deposits in the Blood Vessels
Vascepa caused me a lot of pain. My muscles and joints became progressively worse to the point where I could hardly walk.
1Patient Review
3/29/2022
Vascepa for Stroke Prevention
I had a stroke after receiving a booster for Covid. My doctor put me on Vascepa, but the side effects were so severe that I stopped taking it after just three days. The pain in my hands and feet was unbearable, to the point where I couldn't use them at all. I ended up hospitalized for a week as a result. It's been three months now, and I still don't think I'm anywhere close to recovered. That stuff ruined my life.
1Patient Review
8/11/2020
Vascepa for High Amount of Triglyceride in the Blood
Do not bother with this medicine. It made me so dizzy that I couldn't function and constantly felt nauseous.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about vascepa

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Vascepa the same thing as fish oil?

"Vascepa is an omega-3 fatty acid supplement that contains only EPA, while most fish oil supplements contain EPA and DHA."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of Vascepa?

"Muscle and joint pain, constipation, swelling in extremities, gout, and chest pressure are all possible side effects of the medication."

Answered by AI

What is the medical Vascepa used for?

"Vascepa has been FDA-approved to lower blood triglyceride levels in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia."

Answered by AI

Does Vascepa cause weight loss?

"As of February 17th, 2022, there are no documented reports which state that Vascepa is an effective way to lose weight."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Vascepa

Have you considered Vascepa clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Vascepa, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Vascepa clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Vascepa, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Vascepa clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Vascepa, we think they might fit your search criteria.