See the DrugPatentWatch profile for vascepa
Based on the information available, Vascepa is a prescription medication used to lower triglyceride levels in adult patients. It is a formulation of ethyl icosapentate, an omega-3 fatty acid [1]. While there is no specific cholesterol reading that indicates the need for Vascepa, it is typically prescribed to patients with very high triglyceride levels (above 500 mg/dL) [2].
The American Heart Association recommends using Vascepa in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes for patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia [3]. It is important to note that Vascepa is not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise.
It is also worth mentioning that Vascepa was approved by the FDA in December 2019 for use in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in high-risk patients [4]. However, this approval was based on a reduction in cardiovascular events, rather than cholesterol levels specifically.
In summary, while there is no specific cholesterol reading that indicates the need for Vascepa, it is typically prescribed to patients with very high triglyceride levels (above 500 mg/dL) and is used in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes.
Sources:
1. "Icosapent Ethyl Tablets, for Oral Use." National Library of Medicine, drugs.nlm.nih.gov/drugproducts/0911abfd-e1f1-437c-a8a1-6e1f8f6a2e1b/icospent-ethyl-tablets-for-oral-use.
2. "Vascepa (Icosapent Ethyl)." MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615045.html.
3. "2021 Guidelines for the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines." Circulation, American Heart Association, 18 Nov. 2021, www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001048.
4. "FDA Approves Vascepa to Prevent Cardiovascular Events in High-Risk Patients." U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, 13 Dec. 2019, www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-vascepa-prevent-cardiovascular-events-high-risk-patients.
5. "Icosapent Ethyl." DrugPatentWatch, drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/icosapent-ethyl.