Informational only — Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.

Shasthya স্বাস্থ্য · Health, made simple
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Community data Updated 23 hours ago
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Indications

Angina Pectoris Myocardial Infarction Stroke Diabetes Mellitus

Icosapent Ethyl capsule (Vescap is one brand) is taken together with the maximum dose of a statin that the patient can tolerate. Used this way, it lowers the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and unstable angina that needs hospital admission. It is meant for adults with raised triglyceride (TG) levels (≥150 mg/dL) who have either established cardiovascular disease, or diabetes mellitus plus 2 or more additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Icosapent Ethyl is also used alongside diet to bring down TG levels in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥500 mg/dL). Limitations of use: the effect of Icosapent Ethyl on the risk of pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

Pharmacology

Icosapent Ethyl is an ethyl ester of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). EPA reduces the synthesis and/or secretion of hepatic very low-density lipoprotein triglycerides (VLDL-TG), and it also improves the clearance of TG from circulating VLDL particles. The possible 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.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Icosapent Ethyl should be used in pregnancy only when the possible benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the fetus. Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, have been found in human milk. Because the nursing infant could be affected, the mother and doctor need to decide whether to stop nursing or stop the medicine, and the decision should take into account how much the mother needs the medicine.

⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.

Adults: The daily dose of Icosapent Ethyl is 4 grams. This is taken as two 1 gm capsules twice daily with food. Patients should swallow the capsules whole. Don't break open, crush, dissolve or chew Icosapent Ethyl. 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.

Side Effects & Interactions

Side Effects

No side-effect data recorded yet.

Key Interactions

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