omega 3 fatty acids (Lovaza, Vascazen, Omtryg, Omega-3-acid ethyl esters)
Dosing and uses of Lovaza (omega 3 fatty acids)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
capsule
- Lovaza: 1g capsule contains at least 900mg of ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish oils and includes eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA ~465mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA ~375mg)
- Omtryg: 1.2g capsule contains at least 900mg of ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish oils and includes eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA ~465mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA ~375mg)
- Vascazen: 1g capsule contains at least 900mg of ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish oils and includes eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA ~680mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA ~110mg)
Hypertriglyceridemia (Lovaza, Omtryg)
Adjunct to diet in patients with triglycerides ≥500 mg/dL
Lovaza: 4 g (4 capsules) PO qDay or 2 g (2 capsules) PO BId
Omtryg: 4.8 g (4 capsules) PO qDay or 2.4 g (2 capsules) PO BId
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency (Vascazen)
Prescription medical food specifically formulated to correct an omega-3 deficiency in cardiovascular patients
Vascazen: 4 g/day PO qDay or divided BId
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
<18 years: Safety and efficacy not established
Lovaza (omega 3 fatty acids) adverse (side) effects
1-10%
Eructation (4.9%)
Infection (4.4%)
Flu-like syndrome (3.5%)
Dyspepsia (3.1%)
Taste perversion (2.7%)
Back pain (2.2%)
Pain (1.8%)
Rash (1.8%)
Angina pectoris (1.3%)
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Discontinue medications that exacerbate hypertriglyceridemia
Use caution in patients allergic to fish
May increase liver ALT without increasing AST (monitor)
May increase LDL levels (monitor)
May prolong bleeding time (use caution)
Recurrent AF or flutter observed when initial high dose of Lovaza administered (ie, 8 g/day x1 week, then 4 g/day thereafter)
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk; use caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Lovaza (omega 3 fatty acids)
Mechanism of action
Possibly inhibits acyl CoA: 1,2-diacylglycerol acyltransferase, increases peroxisomal beta-oxidation in liver; may decrease hepatic triglyceride synthesis; plasma lipoprotein lipase activity may increase
Absorption
Rapid
Administration
Instructions
Swallow capsules whole; do not chew, crush, break, or dissolve
Lovaza, Vascazen: May take with or without food
Omtryg: Take with food
