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Which Supplements Should Be Avoided with Vascepa?

Vascepa, also known as icosapent ethyl, is a prescription medication used to treat high triglycerides and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with high triglycerides and established cardiovascular disease. While Vascepa is generally considered safe and effective, it's essential to be aware of potential interactions with supplements to ensure safe and optimal treatment.

Understanding Vascepa and Its Mechanism of Action

Vascepa is a highly purified ethyl ester of omega-3 fatty acid EPA, which is derived from fish oil. It works by reducing triglycerides, inflammation, and blood pressure, ultimately reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. However, like any medication, Vascepa can interact with other substances, including supplements, which may affect its efficacy or increase the risk of adverse effects.

Supplements to Avoid with Vascepa

While Vascepa is generally well-tolerated, certain supplements may interact with it or increase the risk of adverse effects. Here are some supplements that should be avoided or used with caution when taking Vascepa:

1. Blood Thinners

Warfarin and Coumadin

Vascepa may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) or other anticoagulants. This is because omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, can increase the risk of bleeding by inhibiting platelet aggregation and prolonging bleeding time.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin, commonly used supplements for joint health, may interact with Vascepa's anti-inflammatory effects. Taking these supplements with Vascepa may increase the risk of bleeding or interact with the medication's anti-inflammatory effects.

3. Antioxidant Supplements

Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10

Antioxidant supplements like vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 may interact with Vascepa's antioxidant effects, potentially reducing its efficacy or increasing the risk of adverse effects.

4. Omega-3 Supplements

Other Omega-3 Supplements

Taking other omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil, with Vascepa may increase the risk of bleeding or interact with the medication's anti-inflammatory effects.

5. Herbal Supplements

Ginkgo Biloba and St. John's Wort

Herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba and St. John's Wort may interact with Vascepa's effects on blood pressure and platelet aggregation, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or adverse effects.

Key Takeaways

When taking Vascepa, it's essential to avoid or use with caution the following supplements:

* Blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin)
* Anti-inflammatory supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin
* Antioxidant supplements like vitamin E and coenzyme Q10
* Other omega-3 supplements
* Herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba and St. John's Wort

FAQs

Q: Can I take omega-3 supplements with Vascepa?
A: No, it's recommended to avoid taking other omega-3 supplements with Vascepa to minimize the risk of bleeding or adverse effects.

Q: Can I take vitamin E with Vascepa?
A: No, it's recommended to avoid taking vitamin E with Vascepa to minimize the risk of interacting with the medication's antioxidant effects.

Q: Can I take glucosamine and chondroitin with Vascepa?
A: No, it's recommended to avoid taking glucosamine and chondroitin with Vascepa to minimize the risk of interacting with the medication's anti-inflammatory effects.

Q: Can I take ginkgo biloba with Vascepa?
A: No, it's recommended to avoid taking ginkgo biloba with Vascepa to minimize the risk of interacting with the medication's effects on blood pressure and platelet aggregation.

Q: Can I take St. John's Wort with Vascepa?
A: No, it's recommended to avoid taking St. John's Wort with Vascepa to minimize the risk of interacting with the medication's effects on blood pressure and platelet aggregation.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Vascepa (Icosapent Ethyl) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-8,648,046>
2. Vascepa Prescribing Information. (2022). Retrieved from <https://www.amarin.com/sites/default/files/vascepa-prescribing-information.pdf>
3. National Institutes of Health. (2022). Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Retrieved from <https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/>

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