Omega-3 acid ethyl esters
Pharmaceutical product / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Omega-3 acid ethyl esters?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Omega-3-acid ethyl esters are a mixture of ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid and ethyl docosahexaenoic acid, which are ethyl esters of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oil.[3] Together with dietary changes, they are used to treat high blood triglycerides which may reduce the risk of pancreatitis.[3][4] They are generally less preferred than statins, and use is not recommended by NHS Scotland as the evidence does not support a decreased risk of heart disease.[3][5][6] Omega-3-acid ethyl esters are taken by mouth.[3]
Combination of | |
---|---|
Eicosapentaenoic acid | Antilipemic agent |
Docosahexaenoic acid | Antilipemic agent |
Clinical data | |
Trade names | Lovaza, Omtryg, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
License data | |
Pregnancy category |
|
Routes of administration | By mouth |
ATC code |
|
Legal status | |
Legal status | |
Identifiers | |
CAS Number | |
DrugBank | |
UNII | |
KEGG |
Common side effects include burping, nausea, and an upset abdomen.[3][5] Serious side effects may include liver problems and anaphylaxis.[3] While use in pregnancy has not been well studied, some omega-3 fatty acids appear beneficial.[1] How it works is not entirely clear.[3]
Experts found a dose-dependent increase in the risk for atrial fibrillation in patients with cardiovascular diseases or cardiovascular risk factors who were being treated with omega-3-acid ethyl esters compared with those treated with placebo. The observed risk was at its highest at a dose of 4 g/d.
Omega-3-acid ethyl ester medicines were approved for medical use in the European Union in 2000 and in the United States in 2004.[3][6][7] Beyond the branded prescription formulation, it is also available as a generic medication and over the counter.[3][5] In 2021, it was the 218th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 1 million prescriptions.[8][9]