Icosapent ethyl

What it is used for

Icosapent ethyl capsules are indicated: as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe (≥ 500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. Limitations of Use: The effect of icosapent ethyl capsules on the risk for pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined. Icosapent ethyl capsules are an ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) indicated: as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe (≥ 500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia.

Limitations of Use: The effect of icosapent ethyl capsules on the risk for pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined.

How to take it

• Take icosapent ethyl capsules exactly as your doctor tells you to take it.
• Do not change your dose or stop taking icosapent ethyl capsules without talking to your doctor.
• Do not take more capsules than what is prescribed by your doctor.
  • If you are prescribed the 0.5 gram capsules, you should not take more than 8 capsules each day.
  • If you are prescribed the 1 gram capsules, you should not take more than 4 capsules per day.
• Take icosapent ethyl capsules whole. Do not break, crush, dissolve, or chew icosapent ethyl capsules before swallowing.
• If you miss a dose of icosapent ethyl capsules, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you miss one day of icosapent ethyl capsules, do not double your dose when you take it.
• Your doctor may start you on a diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and low in added sugars before giving you icosapent ethyl capsules. Stay on this diet while taking icosapent ethyl capsules.
• Your doctor may do blood tests to check your triglyceride and other lipid levels while you take icosapent ethyl capsules.

Side effects, and when to stop

Icosapent ethyl capsules may cause serious side effects, including: Heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter). Heart rhythm problems which can be serious and cause hospitalization have happened in people who take icosapent ethyl capsules, especially in people who have heart (cardiovascular) disease or diabetes with a risk factor for heart (cardiovascular) disease, or who have had heart rhythm problems in the past. Tell your doctor if you get any symptoms of heart rhythm problems such as feeling as if your heart is beating fast and irregular, lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or youfaint.

Possible allergic reactions if you are allergic to fish or shellfish. Stop taking icosapent ethyl capsules and tell your doctor right away or get emergency medical help if you have any signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction

Bleeding. Serious bleeding can happen in people who take icosapent ethyl capsules. Your risk of bleeding may increase if you are also taking a blood thinner medicine.

If you have liver problems and are taking icosapent ethyl capsules, your doctor should do blood tests during treatment.

The most common side effects of icosapent ethyl capsules include:

Muscle and joint pain.

Swelling of the hands, legs, or feet.

ConstipationGout

Heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation).

These are not all the possible side effects of icosapent ethyl capsules. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Storing it

• Store icosapent ethyl capsules at room temperature between 68 to 77° F (20 to 25° C).
• Safely throw away medicine that is out of date or no longer needed.

Keep icosapent ethyl capsules and all medicine out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of icosapent ethyl capsules.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in Patient Information Leaflets. Do not use icosapent ethyl capsules for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give icosapent ethyl capsules to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about icosapent ethyl capsules that is written for health professionals.

For more information, (1-888-375-3784).