Lovaza (Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

February 9, 2012

Lovaza

Cholesterol »

Cholesterol facts

High cholesterol is also referred to as hypercholesterolemia (hyper=high + cholesterol + emia = in the blood) or hyperlipidemia
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is an important part of the outer lining of cells in the body of animals.
Cholesterol is also found in the blood circulation of humans.
Cholesterol in the blood originates from dietary intake and liver production.
Dietary cholesterol comes primarily from animal sources including meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products.
Organ meats such as liver, are especially high in cholesterol content.
LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called "bad" cholesterol, because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called the "good cholesterol" because HDL cholesterol particles pre...

Read the Cholesterol article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
next »

Lovaza User Reviews >>

Lovaza

Cholesterol Levels Slideshow Pictures

Lowering Cholesterol Slideshow Pictures

Take the Cholesterol Quiz

font size

LOVAZA
(omega-3-acid ethyl esters) Capsules

DRUG DESCRIPTION

LOVAZA (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) , a lipid-regulating agent, is supplied as a liquid-filled gel capsule for oral administration. Each 1-gram capsule of LOVAZA (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) contains at least 900 mg of the ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish oils. These are predominantly a combination of ethyl esters of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA - approximately 465 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA - approximately 375 mg).

The empirical formula of EPA ethyl ester is C₂₂H₃₄O₂, and the molecular weight of EPA ethyl ester is 330.51. The structural formula of EPA ethyl ester is:

EPA ethyl ester Structural Formula Illustration

The empirical formula of DHA ethyl ester is C₂₄H₃₆O₂, and the molecular weight of DHA ethyl ester is 356.55. The structural formula of DHA ethyl ester is:

DHA ethyl ester Structural Formula Illustration

LOVAZA (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) capsules also contain the following inactive ingredients: 4 mg α-tocopherol (in a carrier of soybean oil), and gelatin, glycerol, and purified water (components of the capsule shell).

What are the possible side effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
chest pain; or
uneven heartbeats.

Less serious side effects may include:

back pain;
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
upset...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Lovaza »

What are the precautions when taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza)?

Before taking omega-3 acid ethyl esters, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to fish or soy products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: alcohol use, diabetes, liver disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before...

Read All Potential Precautions of Lovaza »

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/10/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.