Omega-3-acid Ethyl Esters

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters are used together with lifestyle changes (diet, weight-loss, exercise) to reduce the amount of triglycerides (a fat-like substance) in your blood. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters are in a class of medications called antilipemic or lipid-regulating agents. Omega-3-acid-ethyl esters may work by decreasing the amount of triglycerides and other fats made in the liver.

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters come as a liquid-filled gel capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food one or two times a day. Take omega-3-acid ethyl esters at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take omega-3-acid ethyl esters exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. It may take some time before you feel the full benefit of omega-3-acid ethyl esters. Continue to take omega-3-acid ethyl esters even if you feel well. Do not stop taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters without talking to your doctor. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Omega-3-acid ethyl esters may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
burping</li>
<li>
heartburn</li>
<li>
nausea</li>
<li>
change in the sense of taste</li>
<li>
back pain</li>
<li>
rash</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
chest pain</li></ul>Omega-3-acid ethyl esters may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to omega-3-acid ethyl esters; fish, including shellfish (clams, scallops, shrimp, lobster, crayfish, crab, oyster, mussels, others); any other medications; or any of the ingredients in omega-3-acid ethyl ester capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin; aspirin or aspirin-containing products; beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal); clopidogrel (Plavix); diuretics ('water pills'); estrogen-containing contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections); estrogen replacement therapy. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you drink more than two glasses of alcohol each day, or if you have or have ever had diabetesor liver, thyroid, or pancreatic disease. ask your doctor about the use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.