Omega-3-acid Ethyl Esters Capsules

Generic Name: omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Omega-3-acid Ethyl Esters

11 DESCRIPTION Omega-3-acid ethyl esters, USP a lipid-regulating agent, are supplied as a liquid-filled gel capsule for oral administration. Each 1-gram capsule of omega-3-acid ethyl esters, USP contains at least 900 mg of the ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish oils. These are predominantly a combination of ethyl esters of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA — approximately 465 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA — approximately 375 mg).

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Omega-3-acid ethyl esters, USP a lipid-regulating agent, are supplied as a liquid-filled gel capsule for oral administration. Each 1-gram capsule of omega-3-acid ethyl esters, USP contains at least 900 mg of the ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish oils. These are predominantly a combination of ethyl esters of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA — approximately 465 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA — approximately 375 mg).

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules are indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe (greater than or equal to 500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. Usage Considerations: Patients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules and should continue this diet during treatment with omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules. Laboratory studies should be done to ascertain that the lipid levels are consistently abnormal before instituting therapy with omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Assess TG levels carefully before initiating therapy. Identify other causes (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, medications) of high TG levels and manage as appropriate [see Indications and Usage (1) ] . • Patients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules and should continue this diet during treatment with omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules. In clinical studies, omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules were administered with meals. The daily dose of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules is 4 grams per day. The daily dose may be taken as a single 4-gram dose (4 capsules) or as two 2-gram doses (2 capsules given twice daily).

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (incidence >3% and greater than placebo) were eructation, dyspepsia, and taste perversion. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lifestar Pharma LLC at 1-888-995- 4337 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse reactions reported in at least 3% of subjects treated with omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules and at a greater rate than placebo based on pooled data across 23 clinical trials are listed in Table 1. Table 1.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Omega-3-acids may prolong bleeding time. Patients taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules and an anticoagulant or other drug affecting coagulation (e.g., anti-platelet agents) should be monitored periodically. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Anticoagulants or Other Drugs Affecting Coagulation Some trials with omega-3-acids demonstrated prolongation of bleeding time. The prolongation of bleeding time reported in these trials has not exceeded normal limits and did not produce clinically significant bleeding episodes. Clinical trials have not been done to thoroughly examine the effect of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules and concomitant anticoagulants.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • In patients with hepatic impairment, monitor ALT and AST levels periodically during therapy. ( 5.1 ) • Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules may increase levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Monitor LDL levels periodically during therapy. ( 5.1 ) • Use with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish. ( 5.2 ) • There is a possible association between omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules and more frequent recurrences of symptomatic atrial fibrillation or flutter in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation, particularly within the first months of initiating therapy. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules or any of its components. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules or any of its components.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The available data from published case reports and the pharmacovigilance database on the use of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal studies, omega-3-acid ethyl esters given orally to female rats prior to mating through lactation did not have adverse effects on reproduction or development when given at doses 5 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 4 grams/day, based on a body surface area comparison.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP are supplied as 1-gram, transparent, soft-gelatin capsules filled with light to pale yellow oil and bearing the designation "LS 423" on one side of the capsules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Omega-3-acid Ethyl Esters Capsules used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules are indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe (greater than or equal to 500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. Usage Considerations: Patients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules and should continue this diet during treatment with omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules. Laboratory studies should be done to ascertain that the lipid levels are consistently abnormal before instituting therapy with omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules.

What are the side effects of Omega-3-acid Ethyl Esters Capsules?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (incidence >3% and greater than placebo) were eructation, dyspepsia, and taste perversion. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lifestar Pharma LLC at 1-888-995- 4337 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse reactions reported in at least 3% of subjects treated with omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules and at a greater rate than placebo based on pooled data across 23 clinical trials are listed in Table 1. Table 1.

Can I take Omega-3-acid Ethyl Esters Capsules during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The available data from published case reports and the pharmacovigilance database on the use of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal studies, omega-3-acid ethyl esters given orally to female rats prior to mating through lactation did not have adverse effects on reproduction or development when given at doses 5 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 4 grams/day, based on a body surface area comparison.

What are the important warnings for Omega-3-acid Ethyl Esters Capsules?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • In patients with hepatic impairment, monitor ALT and AST levels periodically during therapy. ( 5.1 ) • Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules may increase levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Monitor LDL levels periodically during therapy. ( 5.1 ) • Use with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish. ( 5.2 ) • There is a possible association between omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules and more frequent recurrences of symptomatic atrial fibrillation or flutter in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation, particularly within the first months of initiating therapy. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules or any of its components. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules or any of its components.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.