Brand Names: Animi-3, Animi-3 with Vitamin D, Divista, EPA Fish Oil, Fish Oil, Fish Oil Ultra, Icar Prenatal Essential Omega-3, Lovaza, Marine Lipid Concentrate, MaxEPA, MaxiTears Dry Eye Formula, MaxiVision Omega-3 Formula, Mi-Omega NF, Omega-500, Sea-Omega, Sea-Omega 30, TheraTears Nutrition, TherOmega

Generic Name: omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Pronunciation: oh MAY ga 3 POL ee un SAT yoo ray ted FAT ee AS ids)

• What is omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Lovaza)?
• What are the possible side effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
• What is the most important information I should know about omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
• How should I take omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
• What other drugs will affect omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
• Where can I get more information?

What is omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Lovaza)?

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are found in oil from certain types of fish, vegetables, and other plant sources. These fatty acids are not made by the body and must be consumed in the diet. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids work by lowering the body's production of triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides can lead to coronary artery disease, heart disease, and stroke.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are used together with diet and exercise to help lower triglyceride levels in the blood.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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 stomach, belching; or
• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Lovaza (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?

Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Swallow the omega-3 polyunsaturated capsule whole. Do not puncture or open the capsule.

This medication is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

There may be other drugs that can interact with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.