Omega-3 Acid Ethyl Esters

( Lovaza )

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jan 26, 2024

Common Questions


Common Questions about Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Lovaza)


Is Lovaza the same as fish oil supplements?

Lovaza is a prescription drug and contains higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids compared to over-the-counter fish oil supplements. Specifically, Lovaza 1-gram capsules contain approximately 465 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 375 mg of docosahexaenoic acid DHA as well as other fatty acids. OTC fish oil pills contain varying amounts of omega-3s. Your doctor may prescribe Lovaza for heart health if you have serum triglyceride levels above 500 mg/dL. However, this prescription drug is not for healthy adults with normal or slightly elevated triglyceride levels who can obtain EPA and DHA from food sources (for example, by eating fish) or by taking OTC fish oil pills.



When is the best time to take Lovaza?

You can take Lovaza at any time of the day, with or without food. Try to take your medicine at around the same time every day.



How long does it take for Lovaza to work?

Lovaza does not work immediately. It can take 6-8 weeks to get the full benefits of this medicine. To get the maximum cardiovascular benefits of Lovaza, make lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, getting regular exercise, and stopping smoking and alcohol intake.



How much does Lovaza lower triglycerides?

Randomized controlled trials have shown that Lovaza can lower triglycerides by 26% to 47%.



How do you know Lovaza is working?

The only way to know Lovaza is working is by measuring triglyceride levels with a blood test to see if they have decreased. Elevated triglycerides do not typically cause any specific symptoms. However, they increase your cardiovascular disease risk, including the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.



What is the price of Lovaza without insurance?

Without insurance, Lovaza can be as high as $530.20, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $69.91 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 Lovaza with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on Lovaza—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 Lovaza. 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.