Omega-3 Acid Ethyl Esters

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

Last Reviewed: Jan 26, 2024

Warnings

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Lovaza) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Omega-3 fatty acids can cause or worsen health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options for high triglyceride levels if you are at increased risk of complications from the use of omega-3 fatty acids.

ELEVATED LIVER ENZYMES AND LDL (BAD) CHOLESTEROL: In people with hepatic impairment (reduced liver function), taking omega-3 fatty acids can lead to an elevation in liver enzymes. There are also reports of an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) or bad cholesterol. Your doctor will order laboratory tests periodically to monitor liver function and cholesterol levels. Keep all your medical and lab appointments while on Lovaza.
FISH ALLERGY: The prescription drug Lovaza contains ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids from several fish sources. People with a fish or shellfish allergy are at an increased risk of an allergic reaction to this medication. Tell your doctor if you have a fish allergy before starting treatment.
HEART RHYTHM ABNORMALITIES: There may be an association between taking omega-3 fatty acids and an increased incidence of heart rhythm abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart rhythm problems. Call your doctor without delay if you develop a fast or irregular heartbeat during treatment.

Precautions Before Starting Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Lovaza)

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to omega-3 ethyl esters, fish oil supplements containing icosapent ethyl esters, or omega-3-carboxylic acids, alpha linolenic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, fish, or shellfish (shrimp, clams, lobster, mussels, scallops, crab, crayfish, oyster, others), any of the active or inactive ingredients in omega-3 fatty acid formulations, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, non-prescription medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible interactions between omega-3 fatty acids and your other medicines.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Omega-3 fatty acids may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, thyroid disease, pancreatic disease, diabetes, or heart rhythm abnormalities.

Talk to your doctor about the safety of drinking alcoholic beverages while on omega-3 fatty acids, especially if you drink more than 2 glasses of alcohol daily.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding.

Precautions During Use of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Lovaza)

Take omega-3 fatty acids exactly as prescribed. Keep all your medical and lab appointments during treatment with this medication.

Eat a low-fat diet with limited intake of saturated fat, get regular exercise, and limit alcohol intake while on this medication.

Call your doctor if you become pregnant while on omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Lovaza) Drug Interactions

Certain medicines can affect how omega-3 fatty acids work. Possible interactions between omega-3 fatty acids and other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Some of the medications that can interact with omega-3 fatty acids include:

Blood thinners (anticoagulants) such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
Antiplatelet agents like clopidogrel (Plavix), cilostazol (Pletal), dipyridamole (Persantine, in Aggrenox), ticlopidine, and prasugrel (Effient)
Water pills (diuretics)
Beta-blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, in Dutoprol), labetalol (Trandate), atenolol (Tenormin, in Tenoretic), nadolol (Corgard, in Corzide), and propranolol (Innopran XL, Inderal, in Inderide)
Hormonal contraceptives (estrogen-containing birth control pills, rings, patches, and injections)
Hormone (estrogen) replacement therapy

The above list may not contain all the medicines that can have interactions with omega-3 fatty acids. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, non-prescription medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies to avoid potentially dangerous interactions. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.

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