Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Annette Gbemudu-Ogbru, PharmD, MBA
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: omega-3-acid ethyl esters
BRAND NAME: Lovaza
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Lovaza is an antilipemic or fat-regulating drug
that is used in addition to diet to
reduce triglyceride (TG, a fat-carrying
particle in the blood) levels in adult patients with severe elevations in blood
levels of TG (≥mg/dL). TG is composed of three fatty acids as well as
glycerol, and like cholesterol, comes from either the diet or the liver. High
levels of TG in the blood are associated with conditions such as obesity,
insulin resistance, poorly controlled
diabetes mellitus amongst others that
contribute to the risk of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries
(progressive build up of waxy plaque on the inside of blood vessels) which, in
turn, is responsible for coronary artery disease (angina and
heart attacks) and
strokes.
The precise way in which Lovaza works is not clear; however, its proposed
mechanism of action is by decreasing the amount of TG produced by the liver and
increasing the removal of TG by the liver. Other drugs that reduce TG levels
include fibric acids such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), nicotinic acids such as niacin
(Nicobid, Nicolar, Slo-Niacin), and statins such as atorvastatin (Lipitor).
Lovaza was FDA approved on November 10, 2004.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 1 gm
STORAGE: Lovaza should be stored at 25 C (77 F) and not frozen.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Lovaza is indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce TG levels
in adult patients with severe elevations of TG (≥ 500 mg/dL). Off-label uses of
Lovaza include prevention of atherosclerosis and prevention of angina, heart
attacks, and strokes.
DOSING: The daily dose of Lovaza is 4 grams per day. The daily dose may be
taken as a single 4 gram dose (four capsules) or as two, 2 gram doses (two
capsules given twice daily). Patients should be advised to swallow Lovaza
capsules whole. They should not break open, crush, dissolve, or chew Lovaza
capsules.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Taking Lovaza with an anticoagulant (blood thinner)
affecting coagulation such as aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs
(NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin), warfarin (Coumadin), and heparin (Hep-Lock
U/P) should be monitored periodically as Lovaza may increase the risk of
bleeding.
Since some drugs may increase TG levels, patients should tell their doctor or
pharmacist of the following medications before using Lovaza since their doctor
may want to change the doses of these medications or monitor their effects;
beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), diuretics or water pills such as
hydrochlorothiazide (Diuril), and
vitamins/supplements (fish/flaxseed/cod liver
oils).
Lovaza contains ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids which are obtained from
the oil of several fish sources. Lovaza should therefore be used with caution in
patients with known sensitivity or
allergy to fish and/or shellfish.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in
pregnant
women. Lovaza should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to
the patient justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether Lovaza is excreted in
human milk and
caution should be exercised when administering Lovaza to nursing women.
SIDE EFFECTS: Upset stomach, burping, and strange tastes in may occur. If
these effects persist or worsen, patients should notify their doctor. They also
should tell their doctors immediately if any of the following rare but serious
side effects that suggest increased bleeding occur: easy bleeding from
cuts/bruising,
black/tarry stools, vomitus that looks like coffee grounds.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 11/10/2009 2:53:29 PM
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Statins - Read about statins, cholesterol lowering medications like Levacor, Zocor, Pravachol, Lipitor, Crestor, and more. Side effects, drug interactions, and patient information is also provided.
- Triglycerides (Test) - Learn about triglycerides, and the triglyceride test that measures triglyceride blood levels. High triglyceride levels can lead to heart attack, stroke, fatty liver, or pancreatitis.
- Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.
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