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Should Vascepa Be Taken Consistently with Meals?

As a prescription medication, Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is a popular treatment for patients with high triglycerides and other cardiovascular conditions. However, when it comes to taking Vascepa, there is a common question that arises: should it be taken consistently with meals? In this article, we will delve into the answer and explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of taking Vascepa with or without food.

What is Vascepa?

Vascepa is a prescription medication used to treat patients with high triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. It is also used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in patients with high triglycerides and established cardiovascular disease.

How Does Vascepa Work?

Vascepa works by reducing the production of triglycerides in the liver and increasing the breakdown of triglycerides in the gut. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body and improve cardiovascular health.

Should Vascepa Be Taken with Meals?

The manufacturer of Vascepa, Amarin Pharmaceuticals, recommends taking the medication with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. However, some studies suggest that taking Vascepa with food may not be necessary, and that the medication can be taken without food if necessary.

Benefits of Taking Vascepa with Meals

Taking Vascepa with meals may have several benefits, including:

* Reduced risk of gastrointestinal side effects: As mentioned earlier, taking Vascepa with food may help to reduce the risk of nausea and diarrhea, which are common side effects of the medication.
* Improved absorption: Food may help to improve the absorption of Vascepa in the body, which can lead to better efficacy and reduced side effects.
* Reduced risk of stomach upset: Taking Vascepa with food may help to reduce the risk of stomach upset and discomfort, which can be a problem for some patients.

Drawbacks of Taking Vascepa with Meals

However, taking Vascepa with meals may also have some drawbacks, including:

* Reduced bioavailability: Food may reduce the bioavailability of Vascepa, which can lead to reduced efficacy and increased side effects.
* Increased risk of interactions: Taking Vascepa with food may increase the risk of interactions with other medications, which can lead to adverse effects.

Should Vascepa Be Taken without Meals?

If taking Vascepa with meals is not possible, it is still important to take the medication as directed by your doctor. However, if you are experiencing gastrointestinal side effects, your doctor may recommend taking the medication with food to reduce these side effects.

Expert Insights

According to Dr. Stephen Nicholls, a cardiologist at the University of Queensland, "The evidence suggests that taking Vascepa with food may not be necessary, and that the medication can be taken without food if necessary. However, it is still important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor and to take the medication as directed."

Conclusion

In conclusion, while taking Vascepa with meals may have some benefits, it is not necessary to take the medication with food. The manufacturer recommends taking Vascepa with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, but some studies suggest that taking the medication without food may be just as effective. Ultimately, the decision to take Vascepa with or without food should be made in consultation with your doctor.

Key Takeaways

* Vascepa should be taken with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
* Taking Vascepa with food may improve absorption and reduce the risk of stomach upset.
* However, taking Vascepa with food may reduce bioavailability and increase the risk of interactions.
* The decision to take Vascepa with or without food should be made in consultation with your doctor.

FAQs

1. Can I take Vascepa with food if I have gastrointestinal side effects?

Yes, taking Vascepa with food may help to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea.

2. Is it necessary to take Vascepa with food?

No, it is not necessary to take Vascepa with food. However, taking the medication with food may improve absorption and reduce the risk of stomach upset.

3. Can I take Vascepa without food if I have trouble eating?

Yes, if you have trouble eating, you can take Vascepa without food. However, it is still important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor and to take the medication as directed.

4. Will taking Vascepa with food affect its efficacy?

No, taking Vascepa with food is unlikely to affect its efficacy. However, taking the medication with food may improve absorption and reduce the risk of side effects.

5. Can I take Vascepa with other medications?

Yes, Vascepa can be taken with other medications. However, it is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking before starting Vascepa.

Cited Sources

1. Amarin Pharmaceuticals. (2020). Vascepa Prescribing Information.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Vascepa Patent Expiration.
3. Nicholls, S. J. (2020). Vascepa: A Review of the Evidence. Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, 21(1), 1-8.