OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS (EICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID AND DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID) EPA & DHA

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS (EICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID AND DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID) EPA & DHA
(o-me'ga-3)
Dr. Sears OmegaRx, Eskimo-3, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, ICAR Prenatal Essential Omega-3, Mega Twin EPA, Natrol DHA Neuromins, Natrol Omega-3, Natural Fish Oil, Oleomed Heart, Omacor, Omega-3 Fish Oil Concentrate, Sea Omega, ZonePerfect Omega 3
Classifications: nutritional supplement; omega-3 fatty acids;
Therapeutic: omega-3 fatty acids
Pregnancy Category: C

Availability

100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 360 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg, 517 mg, 840 mg, 1000 mg, 1760 mg capsules; 900 mg/5 mL and 1800 mg/5 mL oil for oral ingestion

Action

The mechanism of action of omega-3-acid ethyl esters is not completely understood. Potential mechanisms of action include inhibition of acetyl-CoA and increased peroxisomal beta-oxidation in the liver.

Therapeutic Effect

Triglyceride lowering is the most consistent effect observed.

Uses

Adjunct to diet to reduce hypertriglyceridemia.

Unlabeled Uses

Adjunct nutritional supplementation for hypertriglyceridemia, rheumatoid arthritis, or for the general purpose of maintaining a healthy heart.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of the medication; pregnancy (category C); infants.

Cautious Use

Known sensitivity or allergy to fish; concurrent use of anticoagulants or thrombolytics; lactation.

Route & Dosage

Hypertriglyceridemia
Adult: PO 4 g b.i.d. or q.d.

Administration

Oral

The daily dose may be given as one dose or divided b.i.d.
Store 15°–30° C (59°–86° F).

Adverse Effects (≥1%)

Body as a Whole: Back pain, flu syndrome, unspecified pain. GI: Diarrhea, dyspepsia, eructation, nausea, vomiting. Metabolic/Nutritional: Increased total cholesterol and/or LDL levels, weight gain. Skin: Rash. Special Senses: Halitosis, taste disturbances.

Interactions

Drug: ANTICOAGULANTS and THROMBOLYTICS are affected by inhibition of platelet aggregation with omega-3 fatty acids.

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism: Extensive liver metabolism.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

Monitor for S&S of hypersensitivity in those with known allergy to fish.
Monitor diabetics for loss of glycemic control.
Lab tests: Baseline and periodic lipid profile.
Note: Poor therapeutic response after 2 mo is an indication to discontinue drug.
Monitor blood levels of anticoagulants with concurrent therapy.

Patient & Family Education

Do not take omega-3 fatty acids without consulting physician if you have a chronic medical disorder.

Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug

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