Icosapent Ethyl
About Icosapent Ethyl
Icosapent Ethyl is used together with lifestyle changes (diet, weight loss, exercise) to lower high cholesterol, 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.
Icosapent Ethyl contains Icosapent Ethyl, which works by decreasing the amount of triglycerides and other fats made in the liver. This helps lower the chance of a heart attack, stroke, or other heart issues that need to be hospitalised in some patients with high triglyceride levels, heart disease, or diabetes who also have two or more additional heart disease risk factors.
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. If the side effects persist, contact your doctor.
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.
Uses of Icosapent Ethyl
Medicinal Benefits
- Icosapent Ethyl contains Icosapent Ethyl, a lipid-lowering medicine belonging to the group of antilipemic (lipid-regulating) agents. It helps reduce high triglyceride levels and improves the overall cholesterol profile.
- It works by decreasing the production of triglycerides and other fats in the liver.
- It is used along with lifestyle modifications such as diet control, weight management, and exercise for better heart protection.
- It helps lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular events.
- It is especially beneficial in adults with high triglyceride levels who also have heart disease or diabetes with additional cardiovascular risk factors.
- It supports long-term heart health by reducing fat buildup in blood vessels and improving blood flow.
Directions for Use
- Icosapent Ethyl can be taken with food or as advised by the doctor.
- It is usually recommended to take twice daily; however, follow your doctor’s advice regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow Icosapent Ethyl as a whole with water.
- Do not crush, break or chew it.
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 oedema
- Atrial fibrillation
- Arthralgia (pain in a joint)
- Oropharyngeal (middle part of throat) pain
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, for children, or young adults under the age of 18.
- Consult your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Icosapent Ethyl.
- Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Icosapent Ethyl may interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet Agents (apixaban, dabigatran, warfarin).
Food-Drug Interactions: No interactions found.
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.
- Minimise the intake of added sugar. The American Heart Association (ADA) recommends that 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.
- The American Heart Association recommends that sodium chloride (table salt) should not exceed 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), a heart attack, or a 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.
FAQs
Icosapent Ethyl is used together with lifestyle changes (diet, weight loss, exercise) to lower high cholesterol or increased cholesterol levels and triglycerides in the blood.
Icosapent Ethyl contains Icosapent Ethyl work, which works by decreasing the amount of triglycerides and other fats made in the liver.
In a clinical investigation, Icosapent Ethyl was known to cause an increased risk of bleeding. Patients taking antithrombotic drugs such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin had a higher risk of bleeding. If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare practitioner.
There is no strong evidence to suggest that taking Icosapent Ethyl will reduce fertility in either men or women. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking it if you are likely to get pregnant or are pregnant.
Increase your daily diet with fibre, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish, and cut saturated fat as well. Stop smoking and drinking, and try to work out every day as well.
No, you should not stop taking Icosapent Ethyl without consulting your doctor. Please take advice from the doctor before quitting.
Yoghurt is a probiotic that can help lower the raised cholesterol level if taken with Icosapent Ethyl. Yoghurt eaters have a better metabolic profile than those who do not eat yoghurt.
