Vascepa is a brand-name prescription medication that’s taken to lower blood triglyceride levels. (Triglycerides are a type of fat that flow through your blood.)

Vascepa is FDA-approved for use with:

* These cardiovascular problems include heart attack, stroke, or unstable angina (chest pain when you’re at rest) that needs hospital treatment. It also includes coronary revascularization (a procedure to improve blood supply to your heart, such as heart bypass surgery or inserting a stent). For additional information about these problems, see “Vascepa uses” below.
† Note: Very high triglyceride levels can also increase the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). However, it isn’t known if Vascepa reduces the risk of pancreatitis in people with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Vascepa is not FDA-approved for this use.

Drug details

Vascepa is a lipid-regulating drug. It contains the active drug icosapent ethyl. This is a type of eicosapentaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid.

Vascepa comes as an oral capsule. It comes in two strengths: 0.5 grams (g) and 1 g.

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of Vascepa, see the “Vascepa uses” section below.

Vascepa is a brand-name drug that contains the active drug icosapent ethyl. This active drug is also available as a generic medication. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you’re interested in taking the generic form of Vascepa, talk with your doctor. They can tell you if it comes in forms and strengths that can be prescribed for your condition.

Vascepa can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Vascepa. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For additional information about the possible side effects of Vascepa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Vascepa, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects* of Vascepa can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Vascepa. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Vascepa’s prescribing information.
† For additional information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Vascepa aren’t common. However, they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects, which are discussed in more detail under “Side effect details” below, can include:

Side effect details

Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Vascepa.

Heart rhythm problems

Vascepa can cause an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AFib). It can also cause an abnormal heart rhythm called atrial flutter. These conditions are caused by electrical signal problems in the atria (the top two chambers of the heart). AFib causes a fast and irregular heartbeat, while atrial flutter causes a fast and regular heartbeat.

In clinical trials, heart rhythm problems were among the more common side effects reported with Vascepa. You’re more likely to have this side effect if you’ve had AFib or atrial flutter in the past.

Symptoms of these heart rhythm problems can include:

  • feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • feeling of your heart racing, pounding, beating irregularly, or skipping beats
  • shortness of breath
  • chest discomfort
  • fainting

If you have AFib or atrial flutter with Vascepa, this may need to be treated in the hospital. These heart problems can increase your risk of having a stroke.

What you can do

If you’ve had AFib or atrial flutter in the past, talk with your doctor about whether Vascepa is right for you.

If you have symptoms of heart rhythm problems while taking Vascepa, contact your doctor right away. However, if your symptoms feel life threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Pain

Some people have reported pain in their muscles, bones, or joints while taking Vascepa. Doctors may sometimes refer to this type of pain as musculoskeletal pain. In clinical trials, this side effect was commonly reported with Vascepa treatment.

Throat pain and gout were also commonly reported in people taking Vascepa. (Gout is a type of arthritis that causes severe pain, typically in the big toe.)

What you can do

If you have pain in your throat, muscles, bones, or joints while taking Vascepa, this may reduce as your body gets used to the drug. Stretching, massage, and applying heat packs may help ease any discomfort.

If you have pain that’s bothersome, you can typically relieve it by taking a pain-relieving drug such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). You can ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a suitable medication for you. However, if you have pain that’s severe, doesn’t go away, or mainly affects your big toe, talk with your doctor. They can determine if Vascepa or another factor is causing the pain.

Bleeding

Vascepa can increase the risk of unusual bleeding as a side effect. This is because the drug can make it harder for your blood to clot. For example, if you injure yourself, it may take longer than is typical to stop bleeding. You may also have minor bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums. In clinical trials, minor bleeding was common with Vascepa treatment, and more serious bleeding was rare.

Signs of serious bleeding may include:

You’re more likely to have bleeding with Vascepa if you take it with other medications that affect blood clotting, such as blood thinners. See “Vascepa interactions” below for examples of these drugs.

What you can do

If you take other medications, especially blood thinners, talk with your doctor about whether Vascepa is right for you.

If you have any unusual bleeding while taking Vascepa, talk with your doctor. However, if you have any signs of serious bleeding, contact your doctor right away. Or call 911 or your local emergency number if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Vascepa. It’s also possible that Vascepa could cause allergic reactions in people with a fish or shellfish allergy. (To read more about this, see the “Vascepa precautions” section below.)

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare. However, it is possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Vascepa, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly taken or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Vascepa form

Vascepa comes as an oral capsule.

Vascepa strengths (0.5 gram and 1 gram)

Vascepa comes in two strengths: 0.5 grams (g) and 1 g.

Dosage for lowering very high triglyceride levels

The recommended dosage of Vascepa for lowering very high triglyceride levels is 4 g per day. Your doctor may prescribe this as:

  • four 0.5 g capsules taken twice per day with food, or
  • two 1 g capsules taken twice per day with food

Dosage for lowering the risk of certain cardiovascular problems

The recommended dosage of Vascepa for lowering the risk of certain cardiovascular problems is 4 g per day. Your doctor may prescribe this as:

  • four 0.5 g capsules taken twice per day with food, or
  • two 1 g capsules taken twice per day with food

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Vascepa, take it as soon as possible. However, if it’s nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as you typically would. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose. And do not take extra doses to make up for missed doses. Doing so can increase your risk of side effects from Vascepa. (For additional information, see “Vascepa side effects” above.)

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Will I need to take this drug long term?

Vascepa is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Vascepa is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Vascepa to treat certain conditions. These are the drug’s approved indications (uses).

Vascepa for lowering very high triglyceride levels

Vascepa is FDA-approved to lower blood triglyceride levels in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia (very high triglyceride levels).* With this condition, your blood triglyceride level is 500 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher.

Triglycerides are a type of fat that flows through your blood. High blood triglyceride levels can contribute to the narrowing and hardening of your arteries. This may not cause any symptoms. However, it can increase your risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke.

If you have very high triglyceride levels, your doctor will recommend following a diet that’s healthy for you. They may also recommend increasing exercise. You may need to make changes to your diet to help lower your triglyceride levels. This may include reducing your intake of saturated and trans fats, sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol.

If dietary changes and increased exercise don’t lower your triglyceride levels enough, your doctor may prescribe you Vascepa. This medication can help lower your triglycerides and reduce your risk of cardiovascular problems.

To lower very high triglyceride levels, Vascepa is FDA-approved for use along with diet. Talk with your doctor about how to follow a diet that’s healthy for you during Vascepa treatment. To learn more, see the “Vascepa use with other treatments” section below.

* Note: Very high triglyceride levels can also increase the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). However, it isn’t known if Vascepa reduces the risk of pancreatitis in people with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Vascepa is not FDA-approved for this use.

Effectiveness for lowering very high triglyceride levels

Vascepa has been found effective for lowering very high triglyceride levels. To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Vascepa’s prescribing information.

The American Heart Association recommends omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to lower high blood triglyceride levels. Vascepa is a type of EPA.

Vascepa for lowering the risk of certain cardiovascular problems

Vascepa is FDA-approved to lower the risk of certain cardiovascular problems in adults with high triglyceride levels and:

Triglycerides are a type of fat that flows through your blood. High triglyceride levels in your blood can contribute to the narrowing and hardening of your arteries. This may not cause any symptoms. However, it increases your risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke. A high triglyceride level is considered to be 150 mg/dL or more.

If you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or risk factors of cardiovascular disease, you likely have an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. High triglyceride levels may further increase your risk of these problems.

Vascepa helps lower your triglyceride levels. And it helps lower your risk of the following cardiovascular problems:

  • heart attack
  • stroke
  • unstable angina (chest pain when you’re at rest) that needs treatment in a hospital
  • coronary revascularization (procedure to improve blood supply to your heart, such as heart bypass surgery or inserting a stent)

To lower the risk of these cardiovascular problems, Vascepa is FDA-approved to be taken with statin medications. These drugs lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is another factor that increases your risk of cardiovascular problems. Examples of statin medications include atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor). For additional information, see the “Vascepa use with other treatments” section below.

To learn more about your condition, see our MNT hubs for cardiovascular health and diabetes.

Effectiveness for lowering the risk of certain cardiovascular problems

Vascepa has been found effective for lowering the risk of the cardiovascular problems described above. To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Vascepa’s prescribing information.

Vascepa and children

Vascepa isn’t approved for any uses in children. The drug hasn’t been studied in clinical trials with children.

Vascepa is prescribed to lower triglyceride levels.* If you’re prescribed Vascepa, your doctor will recommend following a diet that’s healthy for you. They may also recommend increased exercise. The following changes in your diet may help lower triglyceride levels:

It’s important to note that you should not take Vascepa as a substitute for eating a diet that’s healthy for you. Talk with your doctor or nutritionist about what foods and drinks you should consume or limit to help lower your triglyceride levels. They can advise on other foods and drinks you can replace them with. You should also talk with your doctor about ways to increase your physical activity.

Vascepa is also prescribed to lower the risk of certain cardiovascular problems.* For this use, Vascepa is taken with statin medications. Statin medications lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is another risk factor of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke. Examples of statins you may take with Vascepa include:

* For additional information on the approved uses of Vascepa, see the “Vascepa uses” section above.

As with all medications, the cost of Vascepa can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Vascepa. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Vascepa, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Vascepa, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Vascepa, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Amarin, the manufacturer of Vascepa, offers a Vascepa Savings Card Program and partners with a digital pharmacy called BlinkRx. For additional information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, visit the drug website. To speak with a representative about the Vascepa Savings Card Program, call 800-422-5604. You can also call 844-963-0320 for BlinkRx information.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Mail-order pharmacies

Vascepa may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Vascepa, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

Vascepa is a brand-name drug that contains the active drug icosapent ethyl. This active drug is also available as a generic medication. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

If your doctor has prescribed Vascepa and you’re interested in taking icosapent ethyl instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other.

You may wonder how Vascepa compares with other products that are recommended to lower triglyceride levels and the risk of certain cardiovascular problems. For example, fish oil supplements are commonly recommended for their cardiovascular benefits.

Fish oil supplements are made from oily fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Many fish oil supplements also contain vitamins, such as vitamin A and vitamin D.

According to the American Heart Association, omega-3 fatty acids can reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke. However, there isn’t currently a recommended daily intake for EPA or DHA. It’s also important to note that fish oil supplements can contain different amounts of EPA and DHA. Supplements can also vary widely in their purity and quality.

Vascepa contains icosapent ethyl, which is a type of EPA that comes from fish oil. It’s approved* by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a prescription medication with a specific dosage.† Clinical trials show Vascepa lowers high triglyceride levels. It can also reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular problems in people who have a high risk of these conditions. These conditions include heart attack or stroke.

Eating oily fish or taking fish oil supplements can have general heart benefits and help lower your risk of cardiovascular problems. However, if you have high triglyceride levels, you may have an increased risk of these problems. For this condition, your doctor will likely recommend a prescription EPA medication such as Vascepa.

If you’d like to know more about the difference between Vascepa and fish oil, talk with your doctor.

* For additional information on the approved uses of Vascepa and its effectiveness, see the “Vascepa uses” section above.
† To learn more about the drug’s dosage, see the “Vascepa dosage” section above.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Vascepa, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for your condition.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are taken off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Alternatives for lowering very high triglyceride levels

Examples of other drugs that may be taken to lower very high triglyceride levels include:

Alternatives for lowering the risk of certain cardiovascular problems

Examples of other drugs that may be taken to lower the risk of certain cardiovascular problems in people with high triglyceride levels include:

  • fibrates, such as:
    • fenofibrate (Antara, Lipofen, Fenoglide, Tricor, Triglide)
    • gemfibrozil (Lopid)
  • statins, such as:
    • atorvastatin (Lipitor)
    • fluvastatin (Lescol XL)
    • lovastatin (Altoprev)
    • pitavastatin (Livalo, Zypitamag)
    • pravastatin
    • rosuvastatin (Crestor, Ezallor sprinkle)
    • simvastatin (Zocor, FloLipid)

Vascepa isn’t known to interact with alcohol. However, it’s recommended that you limit your alcohol intake during Vascepa treatment. This is because Vascepa is taken to lower high triglyceride levels,* and drinking alcohol can increase your triglyceride levels.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much, if any, is safe to drink while you’re taking Vascepa.

* For additional information on the approved uses of Vascepa, see the “Vascepa uses” section above.

Vascepa can interact with several other medications.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. (For additional information on side effects, see the “Vascepa side effects” section above.)

Vascepa and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Vascepa. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Vascepa.

Before taking Vascepa, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Types of drugs that can interact with Vascepa include:

Vascepa and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Vascepa. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products during Vascepa treatment.

Vascepa and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Vascepa. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Vascepa, talk with your doctor.

Vascepa is taken to lower very high triglyceride levels. It’s also taken to lower the risk of certain cardiovascular problems in people with high triglyceride levels. (For additional information on the approved uses of Vascepa, see the “Vascepa uses” section above.)

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of lipid (fat) that flows through your blood. High blood triglyceride levels can cause the narrowing and hardening of your arteries. This may not cause any symptoms. However, it can increase your risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke.

What Vascepa does

Vascepa is a lipid-regulating drug that lowers high triglyceride levels. It works by stopping your liver from making triglycerides and releasing them into your blood. The way a drug works is called its mechanism of action.

By lowering high blood triglyceride levels, Vascepa helps prevent narrowing and hardening of your arteries. This can lower your risk of cardiovascular problems.

Vascepa may also lower your risk of cardiovascular problems by stopping platelets from clumping together. (Platelets are blood cells that help your blood clot). So Vascepa prevents platelets from forming clots in your blood vessels. Clots that form inside your blood vessels can block blood flow to certain parts of your body. If this happens in blood vessels that supply your heart or brain, it could cause a heart attack or stroke.

How long does it take to work?

Vascepa starts working soon after you start taking it. However, you’re unlikely to notice it working. It may take a few weeks before your triglyceride levels and risk of cardiovascular problems start to reduce. Your doctor will order blood tests from time to time to check if the medication is working for you.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Vascepa.

Is weight loss a side effect of Vascepa?

No, weight loss is not known to be a side effect of Vascepa. Weight loss wasn’t reported in the drug’s clinical trials.

Vascepa is taken to lower blood triglyceride levels.* Triglycerides are a type of fat that flows through your blood. However, this type of fat doesn’t affect body weight. And lowered levels of triglycerides won’t lead to weight loss.

However, during Vascepa treatment, your doctor will advise you follow a diet that’s healthy for you. They will also recommend increasing exercise. This can help lower your triglyceride levels and lead to weight loss. Losing weight can benefit people who have high triglyceride levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.

* For additional information on the approved uses of Vascepa, see the “Vascepa uses” section above.

I’m taking Vascepa to lower very high triglyceride levels. Do I also need a statin?

Not necessarily. Vascepa is approved to lower very high triglyceride levels along with a diet that’s healthy for you.*

Your doctor may prescribe a statin medication† with Vascepa if blood tests show you have high cholesterol and very high triglyceride levels. Statins are prescribed to lower high triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Your doctor might also recommend a statin if you have other cardiovascular risk factors. These include heart disease or diabetes.

If you have questions about what medications are best for your condition, talk with your doctor.

* For additional information on the approved uses of Vascepa, see the “Vascepa uses” section above.
† To learn more about drugs prescribed with Vascepa, see the “Vascepa use with other treatments” section above.

Can I take Vascepa with non-statin medications that lower cholesterol, such as fenofibrate?

Possibly. Your doctor may recommend taking Vascepa with non-statin medications that lower cholesterol. However, this drug combination is considered off-label use. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.*

Examples of non-statin medications include fibrates such as fenofibrate (Antara, Lipofen, Fenoglide, Tricor, Triglide) and gemfibrozil (Lopid).

For example, your doctor might prescribe Vascepa and fenofibrate together if you:

  • have high triglyceride levels
  • have high cholesterol levels
  • are unable to take statins

It’s important to note Vascepa doesn’t interact† with fibrate medications. If recommended by your doctor, these medications are typically safe to take together.

* For additional information on the approved uses of Vascepa, see the “Vascepa uses” section above.
† To see a list of drugs that interact with Vascepa, see the “Vascepa interactions” section above.

You should take Vascepa according to the instructions your doctor gives you.

When to take

You’ll typically take Vascepa twice per day, once in the morning and once in the evening. You should take Vascepa with a meal or after a meal.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Accessible labels and containers

If your prescription label is hard to read, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist if they can put Vascepa in an easy-open container. They also may be able to recommend tools that can make it simpler to open lids.

Taking Vascepa with food

You should take Vascepa with food or after having food.

Can Vascepa be crushed, split, or chewed?

No, Vascepa should not be crushed, split, or chewed. Do not try to dissolve Vascepa either. Vascepa capsules should be swallowed whole. This is easier if you take them with water or a beverage.

If you have trouble swallowing Vascepa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also see this article.

It’s not known if Vascepa is safe to take during pregnancy. Reports of the drug’s use during pregnancy haven’t shown any problems with fetal development (congenital anomalies commonly known as birth defects). However, additional clinical trials are needed to know for sure.

If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of taking Vascepa.

It’s not known if Vascepa is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking Vascepa.

For additional information about taking Vascepa during pregnancy, see the “Vascepa and pregnancy” section above.

It’s unknown if Vascepa is safe to take while breastfeeding. Vascepa may pass into breast milk, and it’s not known how this will affect a child who’s breastfed. If you’re breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of taking Vascepa.

This drug comes with several precautions. Before taking Vascepa, talk with your doctor about your health history. Vascepa may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Vascepa or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe the drug. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
  • Fish or shellfish allergy. Vascepa is made from fish oil and could possibly cause allergic reactions in people with a fish or shellfish allergy. If you have this type of allergy, talk with your doctor about whether Vascepa is right for you.
  • Liver problems. If you have liver problems, Vascepa might make these worse in rare cases. Your doctor may want to check your liver function from time to time while you take Vascepa.
  • Pregnancy. It’s not known if Vascepa is safe to take during pregnancy. For additional information, see the “Vascepa and pregnancy” section above.
  • Breastfeeding. It’s unknown if Vascepa is safe to take while breastfeeding. For details, see the “Vascepa and breastfeeding” section above.

Note: For additional information about the potential negative effects of Vascepa, see the “Vascepa side effects” section above.

Do not take more Vascepa than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

What to do in case you take too much Vascepa

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get Vascepa from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid taking expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to take it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good to take can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Vascepa capsules should be stored at room temperature 68° to 77°F (20° to 25°C) in a tightly sealed container. If needed, they can also be stored at 59° to 86°F (15° to 30°C) for short periods of time, such as when traveling. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Vascepa and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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