Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved icosapent ethyl oral capsule to lower triglyceride levels in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia (high levels of fat in the blood). It’s prescribed together with a balanced diet to help lower triglyceride levels.
This article describes possible side effects of icosapent ethyl oral capsule. You can learn more about icosapent ethyl by talking with your doctor.
Icosapent ethyl oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Vascepa.
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More common side effects of icosapent ethyl
Icosapent ethyl oral capsule may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of icosapent ethyl oral capsule include:
- musculoskeletal pain
- peripheral edema (swelling in lower legs, feet, or hands)
- constipation
- gout (pain and swelling in joints that result from a buildup of uric acid)
- atrial fibrillation*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of icosapent ethyl in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of icosapent ethyl
Icosapent ethyl may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of icosapent ethyl oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
- musculoskeletal pain
- peripheral edema
- constipation
- gout
- joint pain
- mouth and throat pain
Icosapent ethyl oral capsule may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of icosapent ethyl
Icosapent ethyl may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from icosapent ethyl oral capsule, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with icosapent ethyl.
Serious side effects of icosapent ethyl oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
- atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
- bleeding
To learn more about these side effects, see the “Side effects of icosapent ethyl in detail” section below.
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Get free cardAllergic reaction
For some people, icosapent ethyl oral capsule can cause an allergic reaction.
In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to icosapent ethyl oral capsule, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Common questions about side effects of icosapent ethyl
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of icosapent ethyl oral capsule. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How do the side effects compare between icosapent ethyl vs. Vascepa?
Icosapent ethyl is the generic version of the brand-name drug Vascepa. Both drugs contain the same active ingredient, icosapent ethyl. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Because of this, they both cause similar side effects.
For example, common side effects of both drugs include:
- musculoskeletal pain
- peripheral edema
- constipation
- gout
- atrial fibrillation
- joint pain
- mouth and throat pain
If you have more questions about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
Does icosapent ethyl cause weight gain?
Weight gain wasn’t reported in studies of icosapent ethyl oral capsule. But icosapent ethyl may cause peripheral edema as a side effect. This can lead to fluid buildup and swelling in the body, which can cause weight gain.
If you take icosapent ethyl and have concerns about your weight, talk with your doctor.
Side effects of icosapent ethyl in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of icosapent ethyl oral capsule.
Atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
In studies, atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter occurred in people taking icosapent ethyl oral capsule. This side effect may be serious and require hospitalization for medical treatment.
Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are unusual heartbeats. They both can increase your risk of blood clots and stroke. Symptoms may include:
- heart palpitations
- lightheadedness
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- chest pain
Certain factors can increase the risk of this side effect with icosapent ethyl oral capsule, such as:
- heart disease
- diabetes, which is a risk factor leading to heart disease
- a history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, tell your doctor. They may order tests to monitor your heart. They can also determine if you should stop taking icosapent ethyl.
Bleeding
In studies, bleeding occurred in people taking icosapent ethyl oral capsule. This side effect may be serious.
Symptoms of bleeding can include:
Certain factors can increase the risk of bleeding with icosapent ethyl oral capsule. This includes if you take a blood thinning medication.
Ways to manage
If you experience severe bleeding symptoms, such as coughing up blood or having blood in your urine, get emergency medical help. In some cases, bleeding can become life threatening.
If you experience mild symptoms of bleeding, tell your doctor. They may recommend treatment and they can tell you if you should continue taking icosapent ethyl.
Warnings for icosapent ethyl
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking icosapent ethyl oral capsule.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to take icosapent ethyl oral capsule if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether icosapent ethyl oral capsule is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking icosapent ethyl oral capsule, tell your doctor about your health and the medications you take. Things to consider include:
- atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
- liver problems
- bleeding disorders
- past allergic reaction to icosapent ethyl
Icosapent ethyl and pregnancy
It’s not known whether icosapent ethyl oral capsule should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Icosapent ethyl and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether icosapent ethyl oral capsule should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Icosapent ethyl and alcohol
Icosapent ethyl oral capsule is not known to interact with alcohol.
But drinking alcohol regularly may contribute to high blood triglyceride levels, which icosapent ethyl is used to treat.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with icosapent ethyl oral capsule.
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.