Vascepa (Icosapent Ethyl)

Do’s

• Before starting Vascepa, read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider for clarification.
• Take Vascepa by mouth with food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually twice a day. Swallow the capsules whole.
• Take Vascepa regularly to derive the most benefit from it. To help remember, take it at the same times each day. 
• Continue taking this medication even if feeling well and continue to follow your healthcare provider’s advice about diet and exercise.

Don’ts

• Do not crush, chew, open, or dissolve the capsules.
• Do not substitute other omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil products (such as nonprescription products, vitamins, and supplements) for Vascepa without consulting your healthcare provider first. These substitutes may not contain the same amount and type of fatty acids.

Common Side Effects:

• Muscle or bone pain
• Swelling of the arms or legs
• Gout
• Constipation

Serious Side Effects:

• Fast or irregular heartbeats
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Fainting
• Serious bleeding
• Allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and others may occur. If any side effects persist, worsen, or cause concern, seek advice from a healthcare provider. 

Before taking Vascepa, inform your healthcare provider if you have liver disease, diabetes, thyroid disorder, pancreas problems, bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, allergy to fish or shellfish, or if you consume large quantities of alcohol.

Patients with known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish should be informed about the potential for allergic reactions to Vascepa. They should discontinue Vascepa and seek medical attention if any reactions occur.

Serious bleeding can occur in individuals taking Vascepa, especially if they are also taking blood thinner medicine. The risk of bleeding may increase with concomitant use of antithrombotic medications.

Vascepa may increase the risk for heart rhythm problems, particularly in individuals with heart disease or diabetes with a risk factor for heart disease, or those who have had heart rhythm problems in the past.

Take Vascepa as directed and follow up with your healthcare provider for any necessary monitoring or blood tests, especially if you have liver problems.

Discuss these warnings and precautions with a healthcare provider before starting Vascepa to ensure its safe and appropriate use.

This information is not exhaustive. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Vascepa.