Vascepa

Generic name:icosapent [ eye-KOE-sa-pent ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous antihyperlipidemic agents

Medically reviewed by Sophia Entringer, PharmD. Last updated on Feb 22, 2022.

What is Vascepa?

Vascepa works in the liver and bloodstream to reduce very low-density triglycerides.

Vascepa is used together with other medicines (such as statins) to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and some types of heart problems that need hospitalization in adults.

Vascepa is used together with a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet to reduce triglycerides (fats) in adults with severely high triglycerides.

It is not known whether Vascepa will lower your risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of your pancreas).

Warnings

Before you take Vascepa, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, pancreas problems, a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, an allergy to fish or shellfish, or if you drink large quantities of alcohol.

Vascepa is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Vascepa if you are allergic to icosapent.

To make sure Vascepa is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• diabetes;

• a thyroid disorder;

• problems with your pancreas;

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; or

• if you are allergic to fish or shellfish.

It is not known whether icosapent will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Icosap...