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February 10, 2012
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dha/epa-policosanol-vitamin B12, B6-folic acid-vitamin B6-oral, Vanachol

GENERIC NAME: DHA/EPA/POLICOSANOL/VITAMIN B12/FOLIC ACID/VITAMIN B6 - ORAL (DHA/EPA/poly-co-SAN-ol/B12/foe-lick acid/B6)

BRAND NAME(S): Vanachol

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used along with a proper diet to help lower cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent strokes and heart attacks.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It may take up to several weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, bloating, nausea, nervousness, headache, stomach upset, unpleasant taste, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: easy bruising or bleeding. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to octacosanol, fish oils; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood clotting/bleeding problems, vitamin B-12 deficiency (pernicious anemia), diabetes, certain hereditary conditions (e.g., optic nerve atrophy, familial adenomatous polyposis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication. It is recommended that you stop taking this medication two weeks prior to surgery. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. It should not be used immediately before or after delivery. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.




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Suggested Reading on dha/epa-policosanol-vitamin B12, B6-folic acid-vitamin B6-oral, Vanachol by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Stroke
      • A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or cerebrovascular incident. Symptoms of stroke include: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance, and/or sudden severe headache with no known cause. A TIA, or transient ischemic attack is a short-lived temporary impairment of the brain caused by loss of blood supply. Stroke is a medical emergency.
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      • Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, and is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol, conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol. High cholesterol treatment includes lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), and medications such as statins, bile acid resins, and fibric acid derivatives.
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      • Heart attack happens when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. A heart attack can cause chest pain, heart failure, and electrical instability of the heart.
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dha/epa-policosanol-vitamin B12, B6-folic acid-vitamin B6-oral, Vanachol

Cholesterol facts

  • High cholesterol is also referred to as hypercholesterolemia (hyper=high + cholesterol + emia = in the blood) or hyperlipidemia
  • Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is an important part of the outer lining of cells in the body of animals.
  • Cholesterol is also found in the blood circulation of humans.
  • Cholesterol in the blood originates from dietary intake and liver production.
  • Dietary cholesterol comes primarily from animal sources including meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products.
  • Organ meats such as liver, are especially high in cholesterol content.
  • LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called "bad" cholesterol, because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
  • HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called the "good cholesterol" because HDL cholesterol particles pre...

Read the Cholesterol article »


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