What is Omega-3-acid Ethyl Esters?
Omega-3-acid ethyl esters are used together with lifestyle changes (diet, weight-loss, exercise) to reduce the amount of triglycerides (a fat-like substance) in your blood. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters are in a class of medications called antilipemic or lipid-regulating agents. Omega-3-acid-ethyl esters may work by decreasing the amount of triglycerides and other fats made in the liver.
Brand Name
Lovaz
Other Names
What is Omega-3-acid Ethyl Esters?
Omega-3-acid ethyl esters are used together with lifestyle changes (diet, weight-loss, exercise) to reduce the amount of triglycerides (a fat-like substance) in your blood. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters are in a class of medications called antilipemic or lipid-regulating agents. Omega-3-acid-ethyl esters may work by decreasing the amount of triglycerides and other fats made in the liver.
How
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
Side Effects
burpingheartburnnauseachange in the sense of tasteback painrashOmega-3-acid ethyl esters may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Precautions
Before taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters,tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to omega-3-acid ethyl esters; fish, including shellfish (clams, scallops, shrimp, lobster, crayfish, crab, oyster, mussels, others); any other medications; or any of the ingredients in omega-3-acid ethyl ester capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin; aspirin or aspirin-containing products; beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal); clopidogrel (Plavix); diuretics ('water pills'); estrogen-containing contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections); estrogen replacement therapy. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.tell your doctor if you drink more than two glasses of alcohol each day, or if you have or have ever had diabetesor liver, thyroid, or pancreatic disease.tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters, call your doctor.ask your doctor about the use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What If I Forget
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Dietary Restrictions
Follow your doctor's instructions regarding diet and physical exercise. It is important that you follow a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet while you are taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about diet and exercise while taking this medication.
Miscellaneous
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Other Uses
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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