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Who is Eligible for Vascepa Treatment?

Vascepa, also known as icosapent ethyl, is a prescription medication used to treat high triglycerides in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia. But who is eligible for Vascepa treatment? In this article, we'll explore the eligibility criteria for Vascepa treatment and what you need to know before starting therapy.

What are Triglycerides?

Before we dive into the eligibility criteria, let's quickly define what triglycerides are. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. They are an important source of energy for the body, but high levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

What is Severe Hypertriglyceridemia?

Severe hypertriglyceridemia is a condition characterized by extremely high levels of triglycerides in the blood. According to the American Heart Association, severe hypertriglyceridemia is defined as triglyceride levels above 500 mg/dL.

Who is Eligible for Vascepa Treatment?

Vascepa is approved by the FDA for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia. To be eligible for Vascepa treatment, you must have a triglyceride level above 500 mg/dL. Additionally, your healthcare provider may consider other factors, such as:

* High levels of LDL cholesterol: If you have high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, your healthcare provider may consider Vascepa treatment to help lower your triglyceride levels.
* History of pancreatitis: If you have a history of pancreatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, your healthcare provider may consider Vascepa treatment to help reduce the risk of future episodes.
* Other risk factors for cardiovascular disease: If you have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking, your healthcare provider may consider Vascepa treatment to help reduce your risk of heart disease.

What are the Benefits of Vascepa Treatment?

Vascepa treatment has been shown to significantly reduce triglyceride levels in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, Vascepa treatment resulted in a 32% reduction in triglyceride levels compared to placebo.

What are the Side Effects of Vascepa Treatment?

Like all medications, Vascepa treatment can cause side effects. Common side effects of Vascepa treatment include:

* Abdominal pain: Vascepa treatment can cause abdominal pain, which is often mild and temporary.
* Nausea and vomiting: Vascepa treatment can cause nausea and vomiting, which are often mild and temporary.
* Diarrhea: Vascepa treatment can cause diarrhea, which is often mild and temporary.

How to Get Started with Vascepa Treatment

If you're considering Vascepa treatment, talk to your healthcare provider about your eligibility. Your healthcare provider will assess your triglyceride levels and other risk factors to determine if Vascepa treatment is right for you.

Conclusion

Vascepa is a prescription medication used to treat high triglycerides in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia. To be eligible for Vascepa treatment, you must have a triglyceride level above 500 mg/dL and may have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. With its proven efficacy and relatively mild side effect profile, Vascepa treatment can be a valuable addition to your treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the typical dosage of Vascepa?

The typical dosage of Vascepa is 4 grams per day, taken in two 2-gram capsules.

2. How long does it take for Vascepa to start working?

Vascepa can start working within a few weeks of starting treatment. However, it may take several months to see the full effects of treatment.

3. Can I take Vascepa with other medications?

It's important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking Vascepa with other medications. Vascepa can interact with certain medications, such as warfarin and statins.

4. Is Vascepa available over-the-counter?

No, Vascepa is a prescription medication and is only available with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

5. What are the long-term effects of Vascepa treatment?

The long-term effects of Vascepa treatment are not fully understood. However, studies have shown that Vascepa treatment can be safe and effective for up to 12 months.

Sources:

1. American Heart Association. (n.d.). Triglycerides and Heart Disease. Retrieved from <https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/triglycerides-and-heart-disease>

2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Vascepa (Icosapent Ethyl) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-8,663,755>

3. Journal of Clinical Lipidology. (2013). Efficacy and Safety of Icosapent Ethyl in Patients with Severe Hypertriglyceridemia. Retrieved from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3844411/>