How does it work?
This medicine contains omega-3-acid ethyl esters, comprising of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These are more commonly known as omega-3 fatty acids and are also found in oily fish. The medicine also contains alpha-tocopherol, otherwise known as vitamin E.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, which means they need to be obtained in the diet because the body cannot produce them. They have been shown to have various protective effects on the heart and blood circulation.
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the production of 'bad fats', called triglycerides, in the liver. High levels of triglycerides can cause heart disease and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Omega-3 fatty acids also decrease the production of a substance called thromboxane, which is one of the chemicals that causes platelets to clump together and start off the process of blood-clotting. Reducing its production therefore reduces the likelihood of clots forming within the blood vessels, which is what can cause heart attacks.
This medicine has been shown to reduce the risk of further heart attacks and improve overall survival in people who have had a heart attack. It is used in combination with standard post-heart attack medicines, such as aspirin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and cholesterol-lowering medicines (statins).
This medicine is also used to treat high blood triglyceride levels when changes to the diet have been insufficient to acheive this.
What is it used for?
Warning!
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There is insufficient information regarding the safety and efficacy of this medicine in children. It is not recommended for children.
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People with liver diseases should have their liver function monitored regularly while taking this medicine.
Use with caution in
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Decreased liver function
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People at risk of bleeding due to surgery, injury or disease
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People taking medicine to prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants, eg warfarin)
Not to be used in
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Allergy to any ingredient
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
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There is no information available on the safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should be used with caution, and only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
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Constipation
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Diarrhoea
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Burping or belching
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Swelling of abdomen (abdominal distension)
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Acne
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Nausea and vomiting
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Eczema
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Smell or taste of fish
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
This medicine may slightly increase bleeding time and so should be used with caution in poeple who are taking medicines to prevent blood clots (anticoagulants) for example warfarin. If you are taking warfarin your doctor may want to monitor your blood clotting time (INR) while taking this medicine and after stopping treatment. |
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