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Overview: Omega-3-acid ethyl esters is a prescription medicine used to lower high triglyceride levels. Common side effects can include burping, taste changes, and an upset stomach. Taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters can increase certain cholesterol levels. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Follow any recommendations from your health care provider about your diet.

Uses

What are omega-3-acid ethyl esters used for?

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters are commonly used to help lower high triglyceride levels.

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

See also: Omega-3 Supplements

How do omega-3-acid ethyl esters work (mechanism of action)?

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters seem to work by helping your body break down triglycerides in your blood and decreasing the amount of triglycerides your liver makes. Together, these effects may help lower your triglyceride levels.

How are omega-3-acid ethyl esters supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Lovaza
  • Omacor
  • Triklo

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 gram oral capsules

How should I store omega-3-acid ethyl esters?

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze omega-3-acid ethyl esters and protect them from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of omega-3-acid ethyl esters?

The most common side effects of omega-3-acid ethyl esters are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Burping
  • Upset stomach
  • Change in how things taste

There may be other side effects of omega-3-acid ethyl esters that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of omega-3-acid ethyl esters?

While less common, the most serious side effects of omega-3-acid ethyl esters are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Increased Cholesterol. Your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels may go up while you are taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters. LDL is sometimes called “bad cholesterol.” Your health care provider will likely check your LDL levels while you are taking this medicine. Keep all appointments, including for lab tests, while you are taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use omega-3-acid ethyl esters?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take omega-3-acid ethyl esters.

  • Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
  • Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
  • Omacor
  • Omega-3-acid ethyl esters
  • Lovaza
  • Triklo
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific omega-3-acid ethyl esters products they stock.

What should I know about omega-3-acid ethyl esters before using it?

Do not take omega-3-acid ethyl esters unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed. Do not change your dose without talking to your health care provider.

Do not share omega-3-acid ethyl esters with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep omega-3-acid ethyl esters out of the reach of children.

Follow any advice from your health care provider about food choices and habits to help lower your triglyceride levels. This medicine does not take the place of diet and exercise. You may be asked to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet that you will start before and continue during your treatment with this medicine. Follow all recommendations from your health care provider.

Keep all appointments, including for lab tests, while you are taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters. Your health care provider will likely check certain tests to make sure omega-3-acid ethyl esters are safe and working well for you.

You should swallow omega-3-acid ethyl ester capsules whole. Do not open, chew, crush, or break them.

What should I tell my health care provider before using omega-3-acid ethyl esters?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if omega-3-acid ethyl esters are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Food Allergy. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters are made from oil from fish. You may be at risk of an allergic reaction to this medicine if you are allergic to fish or shellfish like shrimp, crab, lobster, oysters,or scallops. Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you are allergic or think that you may be allergic to either fish or shellfish.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how omega-3-acid ethyl esters could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take omega-3-acid ethyl esters while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Do omega-3-acid ethyl esters interact with foods or drinks?

You should take omega-3-acid ethyl esters with food.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect omega-3-acid ethyl esters, but drinking large amounts of alcohol can increase your triglyceride levels. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Do omega-3-acid ethyl esters interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters.

  • Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • An antiplatelet medicine, such as aspirin/dipyridamole, cilostazol, clopidogrel (Plavix), or ticagrelor (Brilinta), which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with omega-3-acid ethyl esters. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much omega-3-acid ethyl esters?

If you or someone else has used too much omega-3-acid ethyl esters, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of omega-3-acid ethyl esters?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.