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Omega-3 Fatty Acid (Purified EPA — Eicosapentaenoic Acid Ethyl Ester)

Icosapent Ethyl (Omega-3 — Cardiovascular Risk Reduction)

Brand names: Vascepa

Icosapent ethyl is a highly purified omega-3 fatty acid ester (an ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) taken orally to reduce cardiovascular risk in selected statin-treated patients with raised triglycerides.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

EPA lowers triglycerides and is thought to exert additional anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and plaque-stabilising effects, though the precise cardiovascular mechanism is not fully defined.

Prescribing in practice

  • It increases the risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter and of bleeding, so use with caution in patients with prior atrial fibrillation or on antithrombotic therapy.
  • Used as an adjunct to statin therapy in high cardiovascular-risk patients with elevated triglycerides, not as a substitute for statins.
  • Use caution in patients with known sensitivity to fish or shellfish, as the product is derived from fish oil.

Monitoring

Monitor triglycerides and remain alert for new palpitations or symptoms suggesting atrial fibrillation or unusual bleeding.

Counselling the patient

  • Take the capsules whole with food and do not crush or chew them.
  • Report palpitations or an irregular heartbeat to your doctor.

Evidence & guidelines

The REDUCE-IT trial showed reduced cardiovascular events in high-risk statin-treated patients with raised triglycerides, and it is recommended in NICE guidance for eligible patients.

Reference: REDUCE-IT Trial (Bhatt et al. NEJM 2018); FDA Prescribing Information Vascepa; MHRA Drug Safety Update 2021 (AF risk); ESC Dyslipidaemia Guidelines 2019; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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