Lovaza vs. Vascepa - what's the difference between them?
Key Points
The main differences between Lovaza and Vascepa are their FDA approved uses, composition, dose schedule, side effects and price.
How do I take Lovaza or Vascepa?
Lovaza (generic name: omega-3-acid ethyl esters) and Vascepa (generic name: icosapent ethyl, the ethyl ester of EPA) both come as oral capsules you swallow. Lovaza can be taken once or twice a day, while Vascepa is taken twice a day. Both products are formulations of omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil). Take your dose exactly as your doctor prescribes.
Both medicines are used in addition to a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet to lower triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia) and are approved for use in adults only. An appropriate exercise program may need to be followed in addition to diet.
Before using Lovaza or Vascepa, tell your doctor if you are allergic to fish or shellfish.
Lovaza dose
Vascepa dose
How do the side effects differ between Lovaza and Vascepa?
Lovaza side effects
The most common side effects that may occur with Lovaza are:
Serious side effects with Lovaza have been reported and are:
Although serious bleeding was not reported in Lovaza clinical studies, if you take a blood thinner (for example, warfarin or aspirin) your doctor may need to monitor you for this effect.
In some patients, Lovaza increases LDL cholesterol, and levels should be monitored periodically during therapy with Lovaza.
In patients with liver impairment, liver enzyzme levels (ALT, AST) should be monitored periodically during therapy with Lovaza.
Vascepa side effects
The most common side effects that may occur with Vascepa are:
Vascepa may also cause serious side effects, such as :
If you experience any serious side effects or an allergic reaction with either drug, contact your doctor or call for emergency medical help (such as 911) immediately.
In patients with liver impairment, liver enzyzme levels (ALT, AST) should be monitored periodically during therapy with Vascepa.
These are not all the possible side effects that can occur with Lovaza or Vascepa. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Which is more expensive - Lovaza or Vascepa?
Monthly Price for Lovaza (using the Drugs.com discount card):
Monthly Price for Vascepa (using the Drugs.com discount card):
Access the free Drugs.com prescription drug discount card here.
To learn more about pricing and financial assistance offered by the manufacturers of these drugs, visit these sites:
Based on your heart risk profile, your doctor may prefer you use Vascepa instead of Lovaza. However, there may be options for you to lower your cost for these medicines, if needed. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Bottom Line
This is not a full listing of differences between Lovaza and Vascepa or all the information you need for safe or effective use. Review the full Lovaza and Vascepa product information, and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.
Related medical questions
- Lovaza vs. Vascepa - what's the difference between them?
- Lovaza vs. Vascepa - what's the difference between them?
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.
The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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