Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Lovaza is a prescription medicine that contains two types of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

It's used along with lifestyle changes to lower levels of triglycerides (fat-like substances) in the blood.

Lovaza is also sometimes given to help prevent a heart attack or stroke in some people, but its effectiveness for this purpose is unknown.

Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to work by reducing the amount of triglycerides and other fats made by the liver. They belong to a class of drugs called antilipemic or lipid-regulating agents.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lovaza in 2004. It's marketed by GlaxoSmithKline.

Lovaza vs. Fish Oil Supplements

Lovaza is only available with your doctor's prescription, but it contains ingredients that are available in some over-the-counter (OTC) fish oil supplements.

Dietary supplements, such as fish oil, aren't approved to treat medical conditions. They don't have to meet the same FDA standards for safety and effectiveness as prescription medicines.

Some studies have shown that certain supplements actually contain lower amounts of their ingredients than what's listed on their labels.

Each prescription Lovaza capsule contains about 465 milligrams (mg) of EPA and about 375 mg of DHA.

These concentrations are generally higher than those found in OTC products.

Also, the omega-3 fatty acids in Lovaza are ethyl esters — a highly refined form of fatty acids.

Lovaza Warnings

Your healthcare provider will probably recommend that you follow a specific diet and exercise plan while you're taking Lovaza. Follow these instructions carefully.

Before starting treatment with Lovaza, tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:

• A blood clotting problem
• An underactive thyroid
• Liver or pancreas problems
• Diabetes
• An irregular heartbeat or another heart problem
• Allergies to medicines, fish, or soy

People with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (types of irregular heartbeats) may have an increased risk of experiencing an irregular heartbeat while taking Lovaza. Talk to your doctor if this is a concern.

Lovaza may increase your levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol.

Your doctor will want to perform frequent tests to monitor your LDL levels and to check your body's response to Lovaza.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and laboratory.

Pregnancy and Lovaza

It's not known whether Lovaza could harm a fetus if taken during pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, or might become pregnant, while using this medicine.

Lovaza passes into breast milk. Don't breastfeed a baby while taking this drug without first talking with your doctor.

Tell your doctor about all prescription, nonprescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking, especially:

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners), such as Coumadin or Jantoven (warfarin)
• Antiplatelet medications, such as Pletal (cilostazol), Plavix (clopidogrel), Persantine or Aggrenox (dipyridamole), Effient (prasugrel), and ticlopidine
• Aspirin or products that contain aspirin
• Beta-blockers, such as Tenormin or Tenoretic (atenolol), Trandate (labetalol), Lopressor, Toprol XL, or Dutoprol (metoprolol), Corgard or Corzide (nadolol), and Inderal, InnoPran XL, or Inderide (propranolol)
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Estrogen-containing contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections)
• Estrogen replacement therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve or Naprosyn (naproxen)

Lovaza and Alcohol

Drinking alcohol may affect your triglyceride levels.

Talk to your doctor before consuming alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Use 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.

Swallow the omega-3 polyunsaturated capsule whole. Do not puncture or open the capsule.

This medication works best if you take it with food.

Do not crush, chew, break, or dissolve a delayed-release capsule. Swallow it whole.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

While using omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, you may need frequent blood tests.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. This medication will not be as effective in lowering your triglycerides if you do not follow the diet plan recommended by your doctor.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase triglycerides and may make your condition worse.