See the DrugPatentWatch profile for vascepa

Common Vascepa Stomach Issues: What You Need to Know

What is Vascepa?

Vascepa is a prescription medication used to treat high triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. It is often prescribed to patients who have high levels of triglycerides and are at risk of developing pancreatitis, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

Stomach Issues with Vascepa

While Vascepa is generally considered safe and effective, some patients may experience stomach issues while taking the medication. In this article, we will explore the common stomach issues associated with Vascepa and what you can do to alleviate them.

****Gastrointestinal Side Effects

According to the FDA-approved label, the most common gastrointestinal side effects of Vascepa include:

* **Nausea: Feeling queasy or sick to your stomach
* Vomiting: Throwing up
* Diarrhea: Loose, watery stools
* Abdominal Pain: Pain or discomfort in the stomach area
* Abdominal Distension: Bloating or swelling of the stomach

****Why Do Stomach Issues Occur?

Stomach issues with Vascepa are often caused by the medication's active ingredient, icosapent ethyl. This ingredient can cause changes in the gut microbiome, leading to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the stomach. This imbalance can lead to a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

****How to Alleviate Stomach Issues

If you are experiencing stomach issues with Vascepa, there are several steps you can take to alleviate them:

* Take Your Medication with Food: Taking Vascepa with food can help reduce the risk of stomach upset.
* Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help prevent dehydration and alleviate symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
* Avoid Trigger Foods: Some foods can exacerbate stomach issues. Avoiding trigger foods such as spicy or fatty foods can help alleviate symptoms.
* Consider Over-the-Counter Medications: If your stomach issues are mild, you may be able to alleviate them with over-the-counter medications such as antacids or anti-diarrheal medications.

****When to Seek Medical Attention

While stomach issues with Vascepa are generally mild and temporary, there are some situations in which you should seek medical attention:

* **Severe Stomach Pain: If you are experiencing severe stomach pain or discomfort, you should seek medical attention.
* Vomiting Blood: If you are vomiting blood or experiencing bloody stools, you should seek medical attention immediately.
* Fever: If you have a fever above 100.4°F (38°C) and are experiencing stomach issues, you should seek medical attention.

****Conclusion

Stomach issues with Vascepa are common and can be caused by the medication's active ingredient, icosapent ethyl. By taking your medication with food, staying hydrated, avoiding trigger foods, and considering over-the-counter medications, you can alleviate mild stomach issues. However, if your symptoms are severe or persistent, you should seek medical attention.

**Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How common are stomach issues with Vascepa?
A: According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the most common side effects of Vascepa include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Q: Can I take Vascepa with food?
A: Yes, taking Vascepa with food can help reduce the risk of stomach upset.

Q: What are some trigger foods that can exacerbate stomach issues with Vascepa?
A: Some trigger foods that can exacerbate stomach issues with Vascepa include spicy or fatty foods.

Q: Can I take over-the-counter medications with Vascepa?
A: Yes, you can take over-the-counter medications such as antacids or anti-diarrheal medications with Vascepa. However, you should always consult with your doctor before taking any new medications.

Q: When should I seek medical attention if I'm experiencing stomach issues with Vascepa?
A: You should seek medical attention if you are experiencing severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, or a fever above 100.4°F (38°C) and are experiencing stomach issues.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com: "Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) Side Effects"