Dosage Information for Vascepa: Forms, Strengths, Administrative Guidelines, and Additional Details
Vascepa, a brand-name prescription medication, is approved by the FDA to decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems in certain adults with high triglyceride levels. It is also used to reduce triglyceride levels in adults with severely high triglyceride levels when combined with diet changes [1].
This long-term treatment comes in two strengths: 0.5 grams (g) and 1 g. The typical dosage for reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems and lowering triglyceride levels is 4 g per day, split into two daily doses. For the 1-gram (g) capsule, this equates to taking 2 capsules by mouth twice per day, totaling 4 g (4 capsules) daily [2].
Vascepa should be taken with food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not take two doses together to make up for the missed dose. If you take more than the recommended amount, call your doctor right away or contact the American Association of Poison Control Centers [2].
Common side effects of Vascepa include muscle and joint pain, swelling of hands, legs, or feet (peripheral edema), constipation, mouth or throat pain, gout, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, pain in extremities, increased risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, especially in patients with a history of these conditions, and increased risk of bleeding, especially if combined with other blood-thinning medications or supplements [4].
It is essential to note that the increased bleeding risk was observed in clinical trials, with 12% of Vascepa users experiencing bleeding events compared to 10% on placebo. Severe bleeding occurred in 3% versus 2% on placebo [1]. People with allergies to fish or shellfish may have allergic reactions to Vascepa [1].
For those having trouble reading their prescription label, options such as labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech may be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist. If you're having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Vascepa in an easy-open container or tools that can make it easier to open bottles [6].
The generic form of Vascepa is called icosapent ethyl. Vascepa belongs to a group of drugs called lipid-lowering drugs. It should be taken along with a statin drug for the treatment of high triglyceride levels. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, consider reading this article for tips on how to take this form of medication [7].
It is crucial to remember never to change your dosage of Vascepa without your doctor's recommendation. For more information about Vascepa, consider reading articles such as "More about Vascepa," "Drug comparison," and details about the conditions that Vascepa treats [8].
If you have any questions about the dosage of Vascepa, consult your doctor. If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.
References:
- ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01425464
- Vascepa (Icosapent Ethyl) Label: Accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/021986s003lbl.pdf
- Mayo Clinic – Vascepa
- Drugs.com – Vascepa Side Effects
- FDA Drug Safety Communication – FDA Drug Safety Communication: Updated information about the risk of bleeding with Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) capsules
- American Pharmacists Association – Medication Adherence: Tips for Patients
- Cancer.Net – Swallowing Pills: Tips for Taking Medication
- WebMD – Vascepa (Icosapent Ethyl)
- Deciders of medical-conditions should be aware that Vascepa, a drug used for managing hypertension and cardiovascular health, comes with potential side effects such as muscle and joint pain, increased risk of atrial fibrillation, and bleeding risks, especially when combined with other blood-thinning medications.
- People with fish or shellfish allergies should be cautious when using Vascepa, a science-backed treatment approved for lowering triglyceride levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems, as they may face allergic reactions to this medicine.
- For individuals struggling to manage their health-and-wellness,especially those with high triglyceride levels, it's important to remember that Vascepa, a type of lipid-lowering drug, should be taken along with a statin drug, and dosage adjustments should only be made with a doctor's recommendation.
