Vascepa vs. Lovaza

• Are Lovaza and Vascepa the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Vascepa?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Lovaza?
• What Is Vascepa?
• What Is Lovaza?
• What Drugs Interact with Vascepa?
• What Drugs Interact with Lovaza?
• How Should Vascepa Be Taken?
• How Should Lovaza Be Taken?

Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) and Lovaza (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) are omega-3 fatty acids, a fat found in fish oil or plant sources, used along with a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet to lower high triglycerides (fats) in the blood.

Common side effects of Vascepa include:

• joint pain or
• sore throat.

Common side effects of Lovaza include:

• back pain,
• upset stomach,
• burping,
• skin rash, and
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Tell your doctor if you experience rare but very serious side effects of Lovaza including:

• easy bleeding/bruising,
• black or tarry stool, or
• vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is a type of omega-3 fatty acid, a fat found in fish oil. It is used along with a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet, to lower high triglycerides (fats). Vascepa is thought to work by decreasing the amount of triglycerides made by the body.

Lovaza (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) is a combination of fatty acids used together with diet and exercise to help lower triglyceride levels in the blood. Lovaza is made of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are found in oil from fish, vegetables, and other plant sources. These fatty acids are not made by the body and must be consumed in the diet.

Vascepa may interact with other drugs affecting coagulation (e.g., anti-platelet agents). Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you take.

Lovaza may interact with birth control pills or hormone replacement, blood thinners, beta-blockers, or diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor all medications you use.

The recommended dosage is 2 capsules (4 grams) twice daily with food.

The daily dose of Lovaza is 4 grams per day, taken as a single 4-gram dose (4 capsules) or as two 2-gram doses (2 capsules given twice daily).