About ICOSAPENT ETHYL
ICOSAPENT ETHYL belongs to a class of medications called antilipemic or lipid-regulating agents. It is used together with lifestyle changes (diet, weight loss, exercise) to lower the high cholesterol or increased cholesterol levels and triglycerides in the blood. High cholesterol is a condition in which you have high levels of lipids (fats) in your blood. It is also called hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia.
ICOSAPENT ETHYL contains Icosapent Ethyl, which works by decreasing the amount of triglycerides and other fats made in the liver. Reduced cholesterol lowers the chance of a heart attack, stroke, or other heart issues that need to be hospitalized in some patients with high triglyceride levels, heart disease, or diabetes who also have two or more additional heart disease risk factors.
Take ICOSAPENT ETHYL as prescribed. In some cases, you may experience side effects like musculoskeletal pain, peripheral oedema, constipation, gout, atrial fibrillation, arthralgia (pain in a joint), and oropharyngeal (middle part of the throat) pain. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, contact your doctor. Your doctor will suggest how often you need to take ICOSAPENT ETHYL based on your medical condition.
Avoid taking ICOSAPENT ETHYL if you are allergic to Icosapent Ethyl or any other component in this medicine. It is not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for children and young adults under 18. If you become pregnant while taking Icosapent Ethyl, immediately consult your doctor. Inform your doctor about your medical condition and medications you take before taking ICOSAPENT ETHYL to rule out any possible side effects or interactions. Consuming alcohol while using ICOSAPENT ETHYL is not advisable.
Uses of ICOSAPENT ETHYL
High cholesterol (Hypertriglyceridemia)
Medicinal Benefits
ICOSAPENT ETHYL contains Icosapent Ethyl, which belongs to a class of medications called antilipemic or lipid-regulating agents. It is used together with lifestyle changes (diet, weight loss, exercise) to lower the high cholesterol or increased cholesterol levels and triglycerides in the blood. It works by decreasing the amount of triglycerides and other fats made in the liver. Lowering cholesterol levels helps prevent the risk of a heart attack, a stroke, or other heart problems that require hospitalization in certain adults with high triglyceride levels and heart disease or diabetes with two or more other heart disease risk factors.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of ICOSAPENT ETHYL
Palpitations
Burping
Constipation
Gout (painful swelling in the joints because of a build-up of uric acid)
Bruising (particularly if taking anti-clotting medicine)
Musculoskeletal pain (pain in muscles, bones, and joints)
Swelling in the legs and feet
Skin reactions/rash
Peripheral edema
Atrial fibrillation
Arthralgia (pain in a joint)
Oropharyngeal (middle part of throat) pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking ICOSAPENT ETHYL, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions (especially liver or kidney impairment, atrial fibrillation, muscle problems and bleeding disorders), sensitivities or allergic conditions, and all medications you are using. Avoid drinking alcohol while on this medication, as it can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage. It is not advised during pregnancy or nursing or for children or young adults under the age of 18. Consult your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Icosapent Ethyl.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: ICOSAPENT ETHYL may interact with Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents (e.g. apixaban, dabigatran, warfarin).
Food-Drug Interactions: ICOSAPENT ETHYL may interact with Alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Patients with Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter, fish allergy, and bleeding disorders should be closely monitored while having treatment with ICOSAPENT ETHYL.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeWhile using this medication, avoid consuming alcohol because it can elevate triglyceride levels and increase your risk of liver damage.
Pregnancy
unsafeICOSAPENT ETHYL is not recommended during pregnancy as it may cause major birth defects.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking ICOSAPENT ETHYL.
Driving
safeICOSAPENT ETHYL has negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Liver
cautionCaution should be exercised while using ICOSAPENT ETHYL in patients with hepatic impairment. Your doctor may monitor levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). So, inform your doctor before receiving ICOSAPENT ETHYL if you have had a liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionIt has not been studied in patients with kidney impairment. So, inform your doctor before receiving ICOSAPENT ETHYL if you have had kidney problems. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeICOSAPENT ETHYL is not recommended for children younger than 18 years old.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Try aromatherapy, yoga, and meditation to help relax your body and mind.
Try to do breathing exercises to get more oxygen.
Eat a healthy diet, especially rich in soluble fibre like beans, legumes, whole grains, flax, apples, and citrus fruits.
Try to replace most of your saturated fats with unsaturated fats that can reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol quickly; avocados, olive oil, fatty fish, and nuts contain lots of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, so it’s beneficial to eat them regularly.
Try to adopt a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and fish, and low in red meat and most dairy.
Try to give priority to more fruits and veggies in your daily meals as these contain antioxidants which help to lower LDL
Minimize the intake of added sugar. The American Heart Association (ADA) recommends one should not eat more than 100 calories (25 grams) of added sugar for women and children and no more than 150 calories (37.5 grams) for men every day.
American Heart Association recommends that sodium chloride (table salt) should not exceed more than 2,300 mg per day as part of a healthy eating pattern.
As a precautionary measure, do not consume alcohol and quit smoking.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
High cholesterol: Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver to protect nerves, make tissue, and various hormones. Our body also receives cholesterol from food, like cooking oils, eggs, meats, and dairy products. Excess cholesterol is bad for our health. There are two types of cholesterol: ' bad cholesterol' and 'good cholesterol'. Bad cholesterol comprises low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG), while good cholesterol consists of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Usually, there are no specific symptoms of raised or high cholesterol levels but a large deposition of cholesterol in the arteries (plaque) or heart blockage. Blocked artery or plaque formation in the heart's arteries can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, or stroke. So, it is advisable to have complete cholesterol tests (lipid profile tests) at least once a year. It will help you closely monitor your heart health and risk of heart attack and stroke.
