Experiencing Adverse Reactions with Vascepa: A Guide on Coping Strategies
In a significant development for cardiovascular health, Vascepa, a brand-name prescription medication, has been approved by the FDA to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, a specific type of heart surgery, or unstable angina that requires hospital treatment in certain adults with high triglyceride levels, when taken in combination with a statin drug [1].
Vascepa, which contains the active ingredient icosapent ethyl, is a purified form of eicosapentaenoic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) [1]. This drug, available in oral capsule form, has shown promising results in lowering triglycerides within 12 weeks and reducing major cardiovascular events by approximately 25-35% over about 5 years [1].
The REDUCE-IT trial, a large clinical study, found that Vascepa can reduce cardiovascular risk by about 35% in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) after approximately 4.9 years of use [1]. Triglyceride levels start to decrease significantly after about 12 weeks, with substantial risk reduction effects becoming apparent around one year and continuing to improve up to nearly five years. Median triglyceride levels dropped by approximately 18% after one year of treatment, especially when combined with a Mediterranean-style, low-carb diet and exercise [1].
While Vascepa offers significant benefits, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects. Common adverse effects include muscle and joint pain, swelling in extremities, constipation, mouth or throat pain, and some gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea [1]. Mild side effects that have been reported with Vascepa include muscle or bone pain, swelling of the arms or legs, gout, constipation, mild allergic reaction, mouth or throat pain, joint pain, and mild allergic reaction [1].
Serious side effects of Vascepa include bleeding, heart palpitations and other heart problems, and severe allergic reactions. However, these severe side effects are relatively rare compared to other lipid-lowering drugs [1][2][3]. It's important to note that Vascepa is not approved to treat or prevent heart problems; it is used to lower triglyceride levels and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events [1].
Vascepa is also approved to decrease triglyceride levels in adults with very high triglyceride levels, when used along with changes in diet [1]. However, it's not known if Vascepa is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
If you are considering taking Vascepa, it's crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your doctor. If you experience any symptoms, such as joint pain, muscle or bone pain, swelling, heart palpitations, or allergic reactions, it's important to report them to your healthcare provider.
If Vascepa works for you, your doctor may recommend taking it long term. However, if you have a fish or shellfish allergy, Vascepa may not be prescribed due to its fish oil content.
In summary, Vascepa offers a well-supported option for long-term triglyceride management and cardiovascular risk reduction, with a relatively safe profile documented in large clinical trials over nearly five years [1]. When combined with diet and exercise, triglyceride lowering may reach 50%. However, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects and to report any symptoms to your healthcare provider.
References: [1] REDUCE-IT Trial. (2019). Effect of icosapent ethyl on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with high triglycerides and other atherosclerotic risk factors. New England Journal of Medicine, 380(1), 11-22. [2] Grundy, S. M., et al. (2019). 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation, 139(15), e1089-e1157. [3] National Kidney Foundation. (2019). Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) Clinical Practice Guideline and Clinical Practice Recommendations for the Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 74(3), 436-475.
- The FDA has approved Vascepa, a drug that lowers triglyceride levels, to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in certain adults with high triglyceride levels when taken in combination with a statin drug.
- Vascepa, a purified form of eicosapentaenoic acid, offers significant benefits for health-and-wellness and cardiovascular-health, as it has shown promising results in lowering triglycerides and reducing major cardiovascular events.
- The Mediterranean-style, low-carb diet and exercise, when combined with Vascepa, can lead to a triglyceride lowering of up to 50% in certain medical-conditions like atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- Deciders of health-and-wellness should be aware of the potential side effects of Vascepa, such as muscle pain, joint pain, swelling, and heart palpitations, and report any symptoms to their healthcare provider.
