Million of Americans are diagnosed with elevated triglycerides. High triglyceride levels are a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Lovaza is a prescription drug that is approved for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia when used inconjunction with lifestyle changes.
Hypertriglyceridemia
According to the National Institutes of Health Adult Treatment Panel 3 Lipid Guidelines, the optimal triglyceride level in adults is below 150 mg/dL. Elevated triglycerides places patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Triglycerides are lipid molecules and included in the calculation of total cholesterol levels.
Lovaza
Marketed and Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, Lovaza was approved in 2004 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia in patients with triglyceride levels at or above 500 mg/dL. Lovaza contains ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. These compounds are naturally found in fatty fish and are often the major components of over-the-counter fish oil supplements. Lovaza is approved to be used as an adjunct with lifestyle modifications such as weight loss and healthy eating habits to lower triglyceride levels.
Recommended Dosing
According to the Lovaza package insert, the recommended daily dose of Lovaza for adults is 4 g per day. The 4 g of Lovaza can be taken as a single daily dose or divided into two daily doses of 2 g each. Although toxicity from Lovaza overdose has not been studied, patients should not take more than the 4 g recommended per day.
Considerations
Side effects of Lovaza may include dyspepsia, taste alteration and excessive belching. In addition, Lovaza can exacerbate bleeding disorders and increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking prescription anticoagulants. Patients should speak with their physician to determine if Lovaza would be an appropriate treatment option before using the product.
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