Pack size: Strip of 10 Capsules  |  Price is for the whole Strip

⚠ Prescription required. This medicine may only be dispensed against a valid prescription.

Generic: Icosapent Ethyl

Form: capsule 1gm

Indications

Icosapent Ethyl capsule is indicated as an adjunct to maximally tolerated statin therapy to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in adult patients with elevated triglyceride (TG) levels (≥150 mg/dL) and

• Established cardiovascular disease or
• Diabetes mellitus and 2 or more additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

As an adjunct to diet to reduce TG levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia.

Limitations of use: The effect of Icosapent ethyl on the risk for pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined.

Pharmacology

Icosapent Ethyl is an ethyl ester of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). EPA reduces hepatic very low-density lipoprotein triglycerides (VLDL-TG) synthesis and/or secretion and enhances TG clearance from circulating VLDL particles. Potential mechanisms of action include increased p-oxidation; inhibition of acyl-CoA:1,2-diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT); decreased lipogenesis in the liver; and increased plasma lipoprotein lipase activity.

Dosage & Administration

The daily dose of Vescap is 4 grams per day taken as Two 1 gm capsules twice daily with food. Advise patients to swallow capsules whole. Do not break open, crush, dissolve, or chew Vescap.

Renal Impairment: Icosapent ethyl has not been studied in patients with renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment: In patients with hepatic impairment, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels should be monitored periodically during therapy with Icosapent ethyl.

Pediatric use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric use: Icosapent ethyl is safe and effective in geriatric patients.

Interaction

Increased Bleeding Risk with Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents: Some published studies with omega-3 fatty acids have demonstrated prolongation of bleeding time. Monitor patients receiving Icosapent Ethyl and concomitant anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet agents for bleeding.

Contraindications

This is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to Icosapent Ethyl or any of its components.

Side Effects

Common adverse reactions in the cardiovascular outcomes trial: Musculoskeletal pain, peripheral edema, constipation, gout, and atrial fibrillation. Common adverse reactions in the hypertriglyceridemia trials: arthralgia and oropharyngeal pain.