Common Questions about Icosapent Ethyl (Vascepa)

Is icosapent ethyl the same as fish oil?

No, icosapent ethyl is not the same as over-the-counter fish oil supplements that contain EPA, DHA, and other fatty acids. Icosapent ethyl contains ethyl esters of eicosapentaenoic acid (active EPA). It is an FDA-approved prescription medication, unlike OTC supplements which are not regulated by the FDA. Your doctor may prescribe icosapent ethyl for cardiovascular risk reduction if you have very high serum triglyceride levels.

Is icosapent ethyl a statin drug?

No, icosapent ethyl is not a statin drug. It is prescribed with maximally tolerated statin therapy to treat high TG (triglyceride) levels.

Why is Vascepa so expensive?

Vascepa contains prescription strength omega-3 fatty acids and can therefore be more expensive than over-the-counter fish oil supplements. Additionally, Vascepa is the brand name for the generic drug icosapent ethyl. The generic version of a medicine is less expensive than the brand name.

How long does it take icosapent ethyl to work?

It takes several weeks for icosapent ethyl to lower triglyceride (TG) levels. It can take even longer for cardiovascular risk reduction. This medication works best when combined with a heart healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Can I drink alcohol while on icosapent ethyl?

There are no known interactions between icosapent ethyl and alcohol. However, check with your doctor if you plan to drink alcohol during treatment with this medicine. Remember, many alcoholic beverages are high-calorie and can cause setbacks to your healthy eating plan.

What is the price of icosapent ethyl without insurance?

Without insurance, icosapent ethyl can be as high as $404.95, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $115.02 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.

What is the price of icosapent ethyl with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on icosapent ethyl—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for icosapent ethyl. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.