See the DrugPatentWatch profile for vascepa

The Most Common Side Effects of Vascepa: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Vascepa?

Vascepa is a prescription medication used to treat high triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. It is a purified ethyl ester of EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, and is marketed by Amarin Pharmaceuticals. Vascepa is designed to help reduce triglycerides and slow the growth of plaque in the arteries, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Common Side Effects of Vascepa

While Vascepa is generally considered safe and effective, like all medications, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Vascepa include:

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

* Nausea: 12.5% of patients taking Vascepa experienced nausea, compared to 8.1% of patients taking a placebo.
* Vomiting: 5.4% of patients taking Vascepa experienced vomiting, compared to 3.4% of patients taking a placebo.
* Abdominal Pain: 4.7% of patients taking Vascepa experienced abdominal pain, compared to 3.1% of patients taking a placebo.
* Diarrhea: 4.1% of patients taking Vascepa experienced diarrhea, compared to 2.6% of patients taking a placebo.

Musculoskeletal Side Effects

* Back Pain: 4.5% of patients taking Vascepa experienced back pain, compared to 3.4% of patients taking a placebo.
* Arthralgia: 3.4% of patients taking Vascepa experienced joint pain, compared to 2.1% of patients taking a placebo.
* Muscle Pain: 3.1% of patients taking Vascepa experienced muscle pain, compared to 2.1% of patients taking a placebo.

Other Side Effects

* Headache: 3.5% of patients taking Vascepa experienced headache, compared to 2.6% of patients taking a placebo.
* Fatigue: 2.9% of patients taking Vascepa experienced fatigue, compared to 2.1% of patients taking a placebo.
* Dizziness: 2.5% of patients taking Vascepa experienced dizziness, compared to 1.9% of patients taking a placebo.

Rare but Serious Side Effects

While rare, Vascepa can cause serious side effects, including:

* Pancreatitis: Vascepa has been linked to an increased risk of pancreatitis, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
* Allergic Reactions: Vascepa can cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
* Hemorrhagic Stroke: Vascepa has been linked to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, a type of stroke caused by bleeding in the brain.

Conclusion

Vascepa is a prescription medication used to treat high triglycerides, and like all medications, it can cause side effects. While the most common side effects of Vascepa are generally mild and temporary, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of the medication. If you are considering taking Vascepa, be sure to discuss the potential side effects with your doctor and follow the recommended dosage and usage instructions.

Key Takeaways

* Vascepa is a prescription medication used to treat high triglycerides.
* The most common side effects of Vascepa include gastrointestinal side effects, musculoskeletal side effects, and other side effects.
* Rare but serious side effects of Vascepa include pancreatitis, allergic reactions, and hemorrhagic stroke.
* If you are considering taking Vascepa, be sure to discuss the potential side effects with your doctor and follow the recommended dosage and usage instructions.

FAQs

1. What is Vascepa used to treat?

Vascepa is used to treat high triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood.

2. What are the most common side effects of Vascepa?

The most common side effects of Vascepa include gastrointestinal side effects, musculoskeletal side effects, and other side effects.

3. Can Vascepa cause serious side effects?

Yes, Vascepa can cause rare but serious side effects, including pancreatitis, allergic reactions, and hemorrhagic stroke.

4. How do I know if I am at risk for serious side effects from Vascepa?

If you have a history of pancreatitis, allergic reactions, or hemorrhagic stroke, you may be at increased risk for serious side effects from Vascepa. Be sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor before taking Vascepa.

5. How do I minimize the risk of side effects from Vascepa?

To minimize the risk of side effects from Vascepa, be sure to follow the recommended dosage and usage instructions, and report any side effects to your doctor immediately.

Sources

1. Amarin Pharmaceuticals. (2020). Vascepa Prescribing Information.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Vascepa Patent Expiration.
3. National Institutes of Health. (2020). Triglycerides and Heart Disease.
4. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Vascepa: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More.
5. WebMD. (2020). Vascepa: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing.