Vascepa

Diabetes, Cardiovascular Events, Diet + 4 more

Treatment

8 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Vascepa

What is Vascepa

Icosapent ethyl

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Icosapent 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.

Vascepa

is 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 8 uses such as Diabetes Mellitus and elevation of serum triglyceride levels .

Diabetes Mellitus

elevation of serum triglyceride levels

Diabetes

Cardiovascular Events

Hospitalizations

Cardiovascular Disease

Hypertriglyceridemia

Cardiovascular Diseases

Effectiveness

How Vascepa works in the body

Studies 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

Diabetes

, 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

Cardiovascular Disease

, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 0.625 mg, 998.0 mg

, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated

Hypertriglyceridemia

, 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

Diet

, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 0.625 mg, 998.0 mg

, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated

Hospitalizations

, 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 Risk

Icosapent 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

Diabetes

74 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3

Hospitalizations

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Cardiovascular Events

4 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Diet

5 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 1

Hypertriglyceridemia

0 Actively Recruiting

Cardiovascular Diseases

0 Actively Recruiting

Cardiovascular Disease

27 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 2

Vascepa Reviews: What are patients saying about Vascepa?

5

Patient 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!

5

Patient 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.

5

Patient 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.

4.3

Patient 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.

3.3

Patient 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.

2.3

Patient 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.

2.3

Patient 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.

2.3

Patient 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.

2

Patient 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.

2

Patient 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.

2

Patient 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.

1.7

Patient 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.

1.7

Patient 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.

1

Patient 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.

1

Patient 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

Image of VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, CA in West Los Angeles, United States.

EBQI Strategies for Women's Health

Any Age
All Sexes
West Los Angeles, CA

Women Veterans are the fastest growing segment of VA users, with most users in midlife. This dramatic growth has created challenges for VA to ensure that appropriate services are available to meet women Veterans' needs, and that they will want and be able to use those services. Furthermore, few VA improvement efforts have focused on women Veterans' health and health care in midlife. The EMPOWER QUERI 3.0 Program is a cluster randomized type 3 hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial testing two strategies designed to support implementation and sustainment of evidence-based practices for women Veterans in at least 18 VA facilities from 4 regions.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, CA

Erin P Finley, PhD MPH

Image of University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.

Pharmacist-led Care for Diabetes

18+
All Sexes
Edmonton, Canada

As of 2024, nine percent of Albertans are living with Type 2 diabetes, which increases their risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure. Unfortunately, less than half of patients have controlled Type 2 diabetes. We are well aware of the factors which lead to worsening diabetes, but need to give people more support to help them manage their diabetes. Pharmacists are respected health care professionals who are often easier to see that doctors and can help people with diabetes to stay as healthy as possible. This research project aims to see whether a pharmacist service can help improve diabetes management in people with type 2 diabetes compared to usual care from their family physician or nurse practitionner. The potential impact of this project is to empower people with type 2 diabetes to understand their condition, it's management, and to achieve target blood sugar levels, which will ultimately reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

University of Alberta

Ross Tsuyuki, BScPharm, PharmD, MSc

Image of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, United States.

Rosuvastatin for Cancer-Associated Blood Clots

18+
All Sexes
Boston, MA

Patients with cancer are at high risk for life-threatening venous thromboembolism (VTE) yet rarely receive anticoagulant prophylaxis due to bleeding risks. Thus, effective prophylaxis in oncology requires a method to reduce VTE without increasing hemorrhage. The primary aim of the Statin Therapy to Prevent Cancer Associated Venous Thromboembolism (STAT-CAT) trial is to test whether rosuvastatin 20 mg daily for 12 months compared to placebo can safely prevent VTE in patients with newly diagnosed or recently relapsed cancer who are at increased thrombotic risk, are not planned to be anticoagulated, and who do not otherwise take statin therapy.

Phase 4
Waitlist Available

Brigham and Women's Hospital (+1 Sites)

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We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Vascepa, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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Image of University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada.

Time Restricted Eating for Breast Cancer Survivors

60 - 85
Female
Toronto, Canada

After chemotherapy, older breast cancer survivors experience a faster decline in brain function. This can make it harder to enjoy life, stay social, and maintain independence. Chemotherapy can lead to poorer lifestyle habits, like unhealthy eating, less exercise, high stress, and poor sleep. Chemotherapy can also affect important health markers like blood sugar and cholesterol. Over time, these changes can damage blood vessels, which might lead to heart and brain issues. The investigators do not fully understand why brain function declines faster after chemotherapy, especially in older survivors, because there are many factors involved. In this study, the investigators will look at how lifestyle habits (like diet, exercise, stress and sleep), health markers (like blood sugar and cholesterol), and blood vessel health (like how well blood flows and how stiff the blood vessels are) affect brain function in older breast cancer survivors. The investigators will include 152 females aged 60-85 years, who finished chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer at least 1 year ago. The investigators will use special tests to check different parts of brain function, like language, memory, and attention, as well as brain blood vessel health. This will help to understand which factors might speed up or slow down memory and thinking problems. Since many Canadian breast cancer survivors experience faster decline in brain function after chemotherapy, this study aims to find out what might make it worse. The results could help to create better and more personalized treatment plans for older breast cancer survivors that protect brain health and reduce problems with brain function in the future.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

University of Toronto

Amy A Kirkham, PhD

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We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Vascepa, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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Image of Duke Center for Living in Durham, United States.

Exendin-9 + Dexamethasone for Insulin Resistance

18 - 60
All Sexes
Durham, NC

Glucagon secretion from α-cells has long been viewed as primarily a counterregulatory mechanism - e.g. an agent with a role to prevent blood sugar from decreasing to levels that compromise function. Our group, along with other researchers, have begun to identify a much more complex role for α-cells, raising questions about when and how glucagon may influence blood glucose levels. This proposal looks to detail proglucagon peptide secretion from α-cells and the impact this has on β-cell function and glucose tolerance, in preclinical studies of human islets and translational studies in human subjects. This protocol registration describes Aim 2 from this NIH grant which involves 2 study populations and separate protocols but addresses a common question. Aim 3 in the grant is focused on a separate hypothesis and will be conducted and published separately from Aim 2.

Phase 1
Recruiting

Duke Center for Living

David D'Alessio, MD

Image of Baltimore VA Medical Center in Baltimore, United States.

Continuous Glucose Monitors for Diabetes

18 - 90
All Sexes
Baltimore, MD

Among the diffident groups of patients, those with chronic and severe medical conditions are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital. It is not surprising therefore that patients with diabetes have high readmission rates. Patients with diabetes have 40% higher re-hospitalization rates compared with those patients without diabetes, with 30-day readmission rates reported to range between 14% and 26%. It should be noted that almost 30% of the patients with diabetes are experiencing two or more hospital admissions per year, accounting for more than 50% of total hospitalizations and hospital health care costs. This research application will evaluate whether the initiation of Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) devices at the time of hospital discharge will lead to better glucose control and health outcomes compared to the use of "finger sticks" Point of Care (POC) following hospital discharge among patients with diabetes. This study will be a two arm (Real Time CGM vs POC) single center RCT at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. One hundred and twenty individuals will be recruited and randomly assigned (1:1) to either Real Time CGM or to POC following hospital discharge. All subjects will be followed from for 3 months post hospital discharge.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Baltimore VA Medical Center

Ilias Spanakis, MD

DexCom, Inc.

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