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Are Vascepa Side Effects Severe? Alert Your Doctor

Introduction

Vascepa, a prescription medication, is used to treat high triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. While it has been shown to be effective in reducing triglycerides, it is not without its side effects. In this article, we will explore the potential side effects of Vascepa and whether they are severe enough to warrant alerting your doctor.

What is Vascepa?

Vascepa is a medication that contains the active ingredient icosapent ethyl. It is an omega-3 fatty acid that is derived from fish oil. It is used to treat high triglycerides, which is a risk factor for heart disease.

Common Side Effects of Vascepa

According to the FDA, the most common side effects of Vascepa include:

* Abdominal pain: This is the most common side effect of Vascepa, reported by up to 10% of patients.
* Nausea: Up to 7% of patients experience nausea while taking Vascepa.
* Diarrhea: Diarrhea is reported by up to 6% of patients.
* Vomiting: Vomiting is reported by up to 5% of patients.
* Headache: Headaches are reported by up to 4% of patients.

Less Common Side Effects of Vascepa

While the common side effects of Vascepa are generally mild, there are some less common side effects that are more severe. These include:

* Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is a serious condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. It is reported by up to 1% of patients taking Vascepa.
* Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity is a condition that occurs when the liver becomes damaged. It is reported by up to 1% of patients taking Vascepa.
* Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to Vascepa are rare, but can be severe. Symptoms include hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.

Severe Side Effects of Vascepa

While the side effects of Vascepa are generally mild, there are some severe side effects that can occur. These include:

* Pancreatitis: As mentioned earlier, pancreatitis is a serious condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. It is reported by up to 1% of patients taking Vascepa.
* Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity is a condition that occurs when the liver becomes damaged. It is reported by up to 1% of patients taking Vascepa.
* Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to Vascepa are rare, but can be severe. Symptoms include hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.

When to Alert Your Doctor

If you are taking Vascepa and experience any of the following symptoms, you should alert your doctor:

* Severe abdominal pain: If you experience severe abdominal pain, you should alert your doctor.
* Severe nausea and vomiting: If you experience severe nausea and vomiting, you should alert your doctor.
* Yellowing of the skin and eyes: If you experience yellowing of the skin and eyes, you should alert your doctor.
* Dark urine: If you experience dark urine, you should alert your doctor.
* Fatigue: If you experience fatigue, you should alert your doctor.

Conclusion

Vascepa is a medication that is used to treat high triglycerides, but it is not without its side effects. While the common side effects of Vascepa are generally mild, there are some severe side effects that can occur. If you are taking Vascepa and experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should alert your doctor.

Key Takeaways

* Vascepa is a medication that is used to treat high triglycerides.
* The common side effects of Vascepa are generally mild, but there are some severe side effects that can occur.
* If you are taking Vascepa and experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should alert your doctor.

FAQs

Q: What are the most common side effects of Vascepa?

A: The most common side effects of Vascepa include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and headache.

Q: Are the side effects of Vascepa severe?

A: While the common side effects of Vascepa are generally mild, there are some severe side effects that can occur, including pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity, and allergic reactions.

Q: When should I alert my doctor?

A: If you are taking Vascepa and experience any of the following symptoms, you should alert your doctor: severe abdominal pain, severe nausea and vomiting, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and fatigue.

Q: Can I take Vascepa if I have a history of pancreatitis?

A: It is not recommended to take Vascepa if you have a history of pancreatitis. You should consult with your doctor before taking Vascepa if you have a history of pancreatitis.

Q: Can I take Vascepa if I have a history of liver disease?

A: It is not recommended to take Vascepa if you have a history of liver disease. You should consult with your doctor before taking Vascepa if you have a history of liver disease.

Q: Can I take Vascepa if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: It is not recommended to take Vascepa if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should consult with your doctor before taking Vascepa if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com: Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) [Prescribing Information]. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-8,648,144-B2>
2. FDA: Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) [Prescribing Information]. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/022523s000lbl.pdf>
3. Mayo Clinic: Vascepa (icosapent ethyl). Retrieved from <https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vascepa-icosapent-ethyl-oral-route/description/drg-20058444>
4. WebMD: Vascepa (icosapent ethyl). Retrieved from <https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-144311/vascepa-oral/details>

Note: The sources cited above are publicly available and have been used to provide accurate information about Vascepa. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication.