Omega-3-acid ethyl esters are fatty acids that can help keep your cholesterol levels in check. Omega-3 supplements most commonly come under the label fish oil because the eicosapentaenoic acid and the docosahexaenoic acid found in them derive from fish. Drugs.com states that medical researchers do not know exactly how omega-3 regulates your lipids, but it can decrease the level of triglycerides in your liver. Triglycerides, a type of fat and part of cholesterol, can produce blockages in your circulatory system that can precipitate strokes and heart attacks. Omega-3 may cause you to experience some side effects.
Flu-Like Syndrome
Flu-like syndrome, the website Tennessee Oncology states, can occur as a side effect of cancer-fighting drugs. It also can occur as a side effect of many other medicines and supplements. The term simply means that omega-3 produces as a side effect the same type of symptoms you would expect to get if you had a cold or flu. So, you may have rhinitis or a runny nose, nasal congestion, soreness in your throat, aches and pains, and a fever. Drugs.com states that flu-like symptoms associated with the use of omega-3 classify as non-serious side effects, and are expected to dissipate on their own without medical intervention. You may use over-the-counter flu medications to help lessen the symptoms. Typically, flu-like symptoms will pass as your body adjusts to omega-3 supplements.
Pain
"Surgical Neurology" magazine states that a study of omega-3 shows that the use of the supplement may help to alleviate long-term or chronic pain in your back. This symptom relief may occur despite the potential for the supplement to initially induce back pain. Drugs.com indicates that when you start using omega-3 supplements, you may experience temporary back pain. This pain usually will feel mild and should cease without the aid of a doctor. However, if such pain continues or does occur in a severe form, speak with your physician. You may have some health issue you need to attend to.
Bad Taste
Swallowing omega-3-acid ethyl esters in the form of fish oil gel caps may produce a bad taste in your mouth, usually at the start of your treatment. As the fish oil gel caps dissolve in your stomach through normal digestion, the oil enters your bloodstream. This can result in a taste of fish occurring in your mouth following ingestion, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports. The side effect does not classify as serious and should stop following your adjustment to the supplement.
Gastric Disturbances
When your body has not yet become used to omega-3 supplements during the initial phase of your treatment, the supplements can produce disturbances in your digestion. Typically, this may produce nausea or an upset stomach, Drugs.com reports. It also may cause loose stools or a bout of diarrhea. Most such disturbances cease after your body adjusts to the supplement. Contact a physician if they linger.
References
- Drugs.com: Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters
- MayoClinic.com: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Omega-3
- MedlinePlus: Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters
- Tennessee Oncology: Flu-Like Syndrome
- Surgical Neurology: ω-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) as an Anti-Inflammatory: An Alternative to Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Discogenic Pain
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