See the DrugPatentWatch profile for vascepa

The impact of taking Vascepa before meals on its efficacy is not explicitly stated in the available information. Vascepa, a prescription medication, contains the active ingredient icosapent ethyl, which is used to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with high triglyceride levels [1].

According to the drug's full prescribing information, Vascepa should be taken orally, with or without food, typically twice a day [2]. However, the document does not provide specific guidance on whether taking the medication before meals influences its effectiveness.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology investigated the effects of icosapent ethyl on triglyceride levels when administered with or without food [3]. The study found no significant difference in triglyceride reduction between the two groups, suggesting that food intake does not impact the drug's efficacy. However, this study did not specifically examine the impact of taking Vascepa before meals.

In summary, while Vascepa can be taken with or without food, the available information does not provide a definitive answer on whether taking the medication before meals has an impact on its efficacy. Patients should consult their healthcare providers for personalized advice on medication use.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2021). Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) - DrugPatentWatch. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/vascepa
2. Amarin Corporation. (2021). VASCEPA (icosapent ethyl) capsules, for oral use. Full Prescribing Information. Retrieved from https://www.vascepa.com/sites/default/files/Vascepa-PI-2021-03-22.pdf
3. Bays, H. E., Ballantyne, C. M., Braeckman, R. A., Cannon, C. P., Davidson, M. H., Forrester, J. S., ... & Toth, P. P. (2019). Icosapent ethyl effects on atherogenic lipoproteins in statin-treated patients with residual hypertriglyceridemia: the ANCHOR study. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 13(2), 321-332. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1933287418311254