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Icosapent Ethyl

Pronounced

"eye-KOE-sa-pent ETH-il"

Common brand names:

Vascepa

Uses

Icosapent ethyl is used along with certain other cholesterol medications ("statins" such as atorvastatin, simvastatin) to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of heart problems that require treatment in a hospital. It is also used along with a proper diet to help lower fats (triglycerides) in the blood. Icosapent ethyl is a type of omega-3 fatty acid, a fat found in fish oil. It is thought to work by decreasing the amount of triglycerides made by the body.

In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking icosapent ethyl and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, open, or dissolve the capsules.

Do not substitute other omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil products (such as nonprescription products, vitamins, supplements) for this product without talking with your doctor first. They may not contain the same amount and type of fatty acids.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well.

It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.