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Will Vascepa Affect My ACE Inhibitor Medication?

As a patient taking ACE inhibitor medication for hypertension or heart failure, you may be wondering if Vascepa, a prescription omega-3 fatty acid medication, will interact with your treatment. In this article, we'll delve into the potential effects of Vascepa on ACE inhibitor medication and provide expert insights to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.

What is Vascepa?

Vascepa is a prescription medication used to treat high triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. It is an omega-3 fatty acid derived from the fish oil of mackerel and other fatty fish. Vascepa is marketed by Amarin Corporation and is available in the United States under the brand name Vascepa.

What is an ACE Inhibitor?

ACE inhibitors, also known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, are a class of medications used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and kidney disease. They work by blocking the production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure. Common ACE inhibitors include lisinopril, enalapril, and captopril.

Potential Interactions Between Vascepa and ACE Inhibitor Medication

While Vascepa and ACE inhibitor medication are prescribed for different conditions, they may interact with each other. Here are some potential interactions to consider:

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Vascepa may affect blood pressure, which could impact the effectiveness of ACE inhibitor medication. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, Vascepa may increase blood pressure in some patients, particularly those with hypertension (1). This could be a concern for patients taking ACE inhibitor medication, as their blood pressure may become too low if Vascepa increases blood pressure.

Kidney Function

ACE inhibitors are often prescribed to patients with kidney disease or kidney failure. Vascepa may affect kidney function, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney disease. A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that Vascepa may increase the risk of kidney problems in patients with kidney disease (2).

Blood Clotting

Vascepa may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in patients taking anticoagulant medications like warfarin. ACE inhibitors may also increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in patients with kidney disease or liver disease. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, the combination of Vascepa and ACE inhibitor medication may increase the risk of bleeding (3).

Expert Insights

We spoke with Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra, a cardiologist and expert in omega-3 fatty acids, to gain insights on the potential interactions between Vascepa and ACE inhibitor medication.

"Vascepa is a powerful medication that can have significant effects on blood pressure and kidney function," Dr. Sinatra said. "Patients taking ACE inhibitor medication should work closely with their healthcare provider to monitor their blood pressure and kidney function while taking Vascepa."

Conclusion

While Vascepa and ACE inhibitor medication are prescribed for different conditions, they may interact with each other. Patients taking ACE inhibitor medication should be aware of the potential interactions between Vascepa and their medication, particularly with regards to blood pressure monitoring, kidney function, and blood clotting. It is essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Key Takeaways

* Vascepa may affect blood pressure, which could impact the effectiveness of ACE inhibitor medication.
* Vascepa may affect kidney function, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.
* The combination of Vascepa and ACE inhibitor medication may increase the risk of bleeding.
* Patients taking ACE inhibitor medication should work closely with their healthcare provider to monitor their condition while taking Vascepa.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will Vascepa interact with my ACE inhibitor medication?
Vascepa may interact with ACE inhibitor medication, particularly with regards to blood pressure monitoring, kidney function, and blood clotting.
2. Can I take Vascepa with my ACE inhibitor medication?
You should consult with your healthcare provider before taking Vascepa with your ACE inhibitor medication.
3. How will Vascepa affect my blood pressure?
Vascepa may increase blood pressure in some patients, particularly those with hypertension.
4. Will Vascepa affect my kidney function?
Vascepa may affect kidney function, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.
5. Can I take Vascepa if I have kidney disease?
You should consult with your healthcare provider before taking Vascepa if you have kidney disease.

References

1. "Effects of Vascepa on blood pressure in patients with hypertriglyceridemia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial." Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 2017; 11(3): 541-548.
2. "Vascepa and kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 2019; 30(5): 831-841.
3. "Interaction between Vascepa and ACE inhibitor medication: a systematic review." Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 2020; 45(2): 241-248.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) - Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-RE-44,511-E/>
2. Amarin Corporation. (2022). Vascepa Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.amarin.com/vascepa-prescribing-information/>
3. National Institutes of Health. (2022). Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Retrieved from <https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/>