Icosapent Ethyl (Vascepa) Uses

Icosapent ethyl is used as an adjunct therapy to lifestyle changes (proper diet, exercise, and weight loss) in adult patients with hypertriglyceridemia (elevated triglyceride blood levels). Triglycerides (TG) are a type of fat in the blood, and normal limits in healthy adults are below 150 mg/dL. 

Icosapent ethyl is prescribed along with maximally tolerated statin therapy for cardiovascular risk reduction, including the risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, coronary revascularization, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in patients with triglyceride levels of 150 mg/dL or higher and an established diagnosis of cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus and two or more additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Icosapent ethyl is also used to lower triglyceride levels in people with severe hypertriglyceridemia (elevated TG levels of 500 mg/dL or higher). 

There may be other uses of icosapent ethyl—your health care professional can give you further drug information.

Icosapent Ethyl (Vascepa) Mechanism of Action

It is not completely understood how icosapent ethyl helps to control lipid levels, but it is believed to be through increasing beta oxidation, inhibiting certain enzymes, decreasing the synthesis of very low density lipoprotein triglycerides in the liver, and increasing plasma lipoprotein lipase activity (an enzyme that breaks down triglycerides). 

Icosapent ethyl is an ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are essential fatty acids. They are also found naturally in certain animal-origin food sources such as fatty fish and some plant-based foods such as chia seeds and vegetable oils. Omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of heart disease, prevent blood clots, and protect against cardiovascular events.

Fish oil supplementation is particularly important for vegetarians, vegans, and people with dietary restrictions. Over-the-counter fish oil supplements contain lower concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Dietary intake and OTC fish oil supplements may not be sufficient for people with very high triglyceride levels. Your health care professional may prescribe a prescription medication such as icosapent ethyl if lifestyle measures alone have not controlled your TG levels and you have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Icosapent Ethyl (Vascepa) Doses

The recommended dose of icosapent ethyl is one capsule twice a day with food.