Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Lovaza) Uses

Omega-3 fatty acids are used as an adjunct to lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, and weight loss) to lower triglyceride levels in people with hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride levels above 500 mg/dL) and improve cardiovascular health. 

There may be other uses of omega-3 fatty acids—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Lovaza) Mechanism of Action

The mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acids help to control triglyceride levels is not completely understood. It is believed to be through the blocking of certain enzymes and preventing the formation of triglycerides in the liver. 

Lovaza is a combination of two essential fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have beneficial effects on human health. These polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are naturally found in certain fish (fatty fish and oily fish) and shellfish that are part of our human diet. Among animal sources, grass-fed animals (for example, grass-fed beef) have approximately 50% more omega-3s than grain-fed animals (for example, grain-fed beef). Omega-3s are also found in some plant-based foods like ground flaxseed oil, chia seeds, and plant oils or vegetable oils (canola oil, soybean oil, algal oil). People who do not have adequate intake of omega-3s from animal or plant foods may benefit from taking fish oil supplements. Evidence suggests taking omega-3 fish oils in adequate amounts can have many health benefits, including reduced cardiovascular disease risk, cancer risk, risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and risk of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Lovaza) Doses

The daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids (Lovaza) is 4 grams per day. Each capsule contains 1 gram of fish oils. You can take the medicine as a single 4-gram dose (4 capsules) or 2 grams (2 capsules) twice a day.

Note: Over-the-counter fish oil supplements contain lower concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA). Therefore, dietary intake (for example, eating fish) and taking OTC fish oil supplements may not be sufficient for people with very high triglyceride levels and an increased heart disease risk. Your doctor may prescribe fish oil supplementation with Lovaza, which is a prescription medication if this is the case, and lifestyle measures alone have not helped to bring triglyceride levels down. Fish oil supplementation is particularly important for vegetarians, vegans, and others who do not eat fish or have other dietary restrictions.