This article describes icosapent ethyl oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for icosapent ethyl. To learn more about icosapent ethyl, talk with your doctor.
Icosapent ethyl oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Vascepa.
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Form and strengths of icosapent ethyl
Icosapent ethyl oral capsule comes as follows:
- Form: oral capsule, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strengths: 500 milligrams (mg); 1 gram (g)
Dosage of icosapent ethyl
This article describes the recommended dosages for icosapent ethyl oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of icosapent ethyl oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of icosapent ethyl in adults
Icosapent ethyl is used to treat high triglyceride levels in adults with very high triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. High triglycerides can lead to serious heart and blood vessel conditions, including stroke and heart attack. Icosapent ethyl is prescribed with a nutritious diet to help lower triglyceride levels.
The recommended daily dose of icosapent ethyl is 4 g per day. This can be taken as either:
- four 0.5 g capsules taken twice per day with food, or
- two 1 g capsules taken twice per day with food
Icosapent ethyl capsules should not be opened, crushed, dissolved, or chewed. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about icosapent ethyl oral capsule and its dosage.
How does the dosage of icosapent ethyl compare with the dosage of omega-3?
There are many varieties of fish oil and omega-3 products as prescription only, as well as over the counter. They contain different ingredients and dosages.
Icosapent ethyl is a form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil. Lovaza is a prescription-only medication that contains several types of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The recommended daily dosage of Lovaza is 4 g, taken as either 4 g once per day or 2 g twice per day.
Both icosapent ethyl and Lovaza dosages vary from other omega-3 prescription medications and supplements. If you have questions about the dosage of icosapent ethyl compared with other omega-3 products, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is icosapent ethyl taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe icosapent ethyl oral capsule as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take icosapent ethyl oral capsule, talk with your doctor.
Icosapent ethyl coupon
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Get free cardOverdose of icosapent ethyl
It’s important that you do not take more icosapent ethyl oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
What to do if you take too much icosapent ethyl
If you think you’ve taken too much icosapent ethyl, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.