{"id":27296,"date":"2022-10-19T12:15:54","date_gmt":"2022-10-19T12:15:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/?p=27296"},"modified":"2022-10-20T07:04:42","modified_gmt":"2022-10-20T07:04:42","slug":"vazkepa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/vazkepa\/","title":{"rendered":"Vazkepa &#8211; Icosapentethyl uses, dose and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>998 mg&nbsp;capsules, soft<br>icosapentethyl<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Vazkepa is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vazkepa contains the active substance icosapentethyl, an extremely pure omega-3 fatty acid from fish oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vazkepa lowers the levels of&nbsp;triglycerides&nbsp;(a type of fat) in the blood and it is used together with a statin medicine (which lowers&nbsp;cholesterol&nbsp;in the blood) to prevent cardiovascular events, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>heart attacks<\/li><li>stroke<\/li><li>deaths from heart disease<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Vazkepa is used in adults with high blood&nbsp;triglycerides&nbsp;who already have heart disease or who have&nbsp;diabetes&nbsp;or other conditions that put them at a higher risk of cardiovascular events.<br><a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you need to know before you take Vazkepa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not take Vazkepa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>If you are\u00a0<strong>allergic to icosapentethyl<\/strong>, soy, or any other ingredient of this medicine (listed in section 6).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warnings and precautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Vazkepa:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>If you are\u00a0<strong>allergic to fish or shellfish<\/strong>.<\/li><li>If you have\u00a0liver problems.<\/li><li>If you have\u00a0problems with irregular heartbeats\u00a0(\u00a0atrial fibrillation\u00a0or\u00a0atrial flutter\u00a0).<\/li><li>If you are taking anticoagulant\u00a0medicine (which prevents the blood from coagulating), medicines that inhibit the platelets\u00a0in\u00a0the blood or have an increased risk of\u00a0bleeding.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blood samples<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During treatment, the doctor may need to take blood samples to check if you have any problems with your liver and to check your blood&#8217;s ability to clot.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children and young people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not give this medicine to children and young people under 18 years of age, as it has not been studied in these people.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other medicines and Vazkepa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you take other medicines at the same time as Vazkepa and these affect the clotting ability of the blood, e.g.&nbsp;an&nbsp;anticoagulant&nbsp;(blood-thinning) medicine, you may provide blood samples during treatment.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pregnancy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vazkepa should not be used during pregnancy unless your doctor advises you to take it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Breast-feeding<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should not use Vazpeka if you are breastfeeding, as the effect on your baby is not known.\u00a0The doctor will help you evaluate the benefits of the treatment against any possible risks for your breastfed baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fertility<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to the doctor about&nbsp;fertility&nbsp;during treatment.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving ability and use of machinery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machines.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vazkepa contains maltitol, sorbitol and soy lecithin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Maltitol (E965)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have an intolerance to certain sugars, you should consult your doctor before taking this medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sorbitol (E420)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine contains 83 mg of sorbitol per capsule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sorbitol is a source of fructose.\u00a0If your doctor has told you that you cannot tolerate certain sugars or if you have\u00a0hereditary\u00a0fructose intolerance, a rare hereditary disease, which means that you cannot break down fructose, you should consult a doctor before using this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soy lecithin<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine contains soy lecithin.&nbsp;If you are allergic to soy or peanuts, you should not use this medicine.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to take Vazkepa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Always take this medicine as directed by your doctor.&nbsp;Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.&nbsp;Do not change your&nbsp;dose&nbsp;without first talking to your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How to open the bottle<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Press down on the screw cap and turn it counterclockwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fass.se\/LIF\/product?userType=2&amp;nplId=20191111000011#\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fass.se\/imaging\/resources\/fd5a8dcb-a6db-41a1-8405-81c964e056c3\" alt=\"Press down on the screw cap and turn counter-clockwise\" title=\"Press down on the screw cap and turn counter-clockwise\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>How much to take<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The recommended&nbsp;dose&nbsp;is two capsules by mouth, twice daily, with or after a meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Swallow the capsules whole;&nbsp;you should&nbsp;<strong>not<\/strong>&nbsp;open, crush, dissolve or chew the capsules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Older<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no reason to change the&nbsp;dose&nbsp;in elderly patients.&nbsp;They can take the usual recommended&nbsp;dose of&nbsp;one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have taken too much Vazkepa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you happen to take more capsules than the doctor has prescribed, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you forget to take Vazkepa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you forget to take a\u00a0dose, take it as soon as you remember.\u00a0If you forget to take the medicine for an entire day, just take the next scheduled\u00a0dose.\u00a0Do not take a double\u00a0dose\u00a0to make up for a missed\u00a0dose.\u00a0If you have further questions about this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you stop using Vazkepa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not stop taking this medicine without first talking to your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have further questions about this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible side effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contact a doctor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you get palpitations or have irregular heartbeats.\u00a0These can be symptoms of a serious condition called\u00a0atrial fibrillation.\u00a0This is a\u00a0<strong>common\u00a0<\/strong>side effect\u00a0(may affect up to 1 in 10 users)<\/li><li>if you bruise easily or do not stop bleeding.\u00a0This is a\u00a0<strong>very common\u00a0<\/strong>side effect\u00a0(may affect more than 1 in 10 users).\u00a0Your risk of bleeding may increase if you take an\u00a0anticoagulant\u00a0(blood-thinning) medicine at the same time.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Seek medical attention<\/strong>\u00a0if you experience any of the following\u00a0side effects.\u00a0These symptoms can be caused by a serious condition called\u00a0hypersensitivity, which can occur at any time during treatment.\u00a0It is an\u00a0<strong>uncommon\u00a0<\/strong>side effect\u00a0(may affect up to 1 in 100 users)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>breathing difficulties<\/li><li>tightening or itching sensation in the throat<\/li><li>swollen lips<\/li><li>hives\u00a0(bumps on the skin)<\/li><li>rash and\u00a0itching\u00a0of the skin<\/li><li>stomach aches or stomach cramps<\/li><li>diarrhea<\/li><li>nausea and vomiting<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Other&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;that may occur<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common&nbsp;<\/strong>side effects&nbsp;(may affect up to 1 in 10 users):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>swelling of the hands, arms, legs, and feet<\/li><li>pain in muscles, bones, or joints<\/li><li>gout\u00a0(painful swelling of the joints due to accumulation of\u00a0uric acid\u00a0)<\/li><li>rash<\/li><li>constipation<\/li><li>belching<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Uncommon&nbsp;<\/strong>side effects&nbsp;(may affect up to 1 in 100 users)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>bad taste in the mouth<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to store Vazkepa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use before the expiry date which is stated on the bottle label or blister pack after EXP.&nbsp;The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Store at a maximum of 30 \u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bottle: close the bottle well.&nbsp;Moisture sensitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blister packaging: store in the original packaging.&nbsp;Moisture sensitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicines must not be thrown into the drain or among the household waste.\u00a0Ask the pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer used.\u00a0These measures will help to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents of the packaging and other information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents declaration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The\u00a0<strong>active substance<\/strong>\u00a0is icosapentethyl.\u00a01 Vazkepa capsule contains 998 mg icosapentethyl.<\/li><li>Other ingredients are<ul><li>all-rac-alpha-tocopherol, gelatin,\u00a0glycerol, maltitol, liquid (E965), sorbitol, liquid (non-crystallizing) (E420), purified water and soy lecithin (see section 2 &#8220;Vazkepa contains maltitol, sorbitol, and soy lecithin&#8221;).<\/li><li>printing ink: titanium dioxide, propylene glycol, hypromellose.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Appearance and package sizes of the medicine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this package you will find oblong, soft capsules, 25 x 10 mm, imprinted with &#8220;IPE&#8221; in white ink, with a light yellow to amber colored shell containing a colorless to light yellow liquid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bottles containing 120 capsules are white 300 ml high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles with a child-resistant, heat-sealed polypropylene closure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pack size of one bottle or three bottles per carton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The blister packs contain 4&#215;2 capsules in perforated single-dose blisters made of PVC\/PCTFE\/Al.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marketing Authorisation Holder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Amarin Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>88 Harcourt Street<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dublin 2, D02DK18<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ireland<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Manufacturer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MIAS Pharma Limited<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suite 2, Stafford House, Strand Road<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Portmarnock,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Co.&nbsp;Dublin<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ireland<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vazkepa contains the active substance icosapentethyl, an extremely pure omega-3 fatty acid from fish oil.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2200,22502],"tags":[27133,27135,27136,27138,27142,27140,27134,27141,27137,27139],"class_list":["post-27296","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medicines","category-v","tag-icosapentethyl","tag-icosapentethyl-capsule","tag-icosapentethyl-side-effects","tag-vazkepa","tag-vazkepa-capsule","tag-vazkepa-side-effects","tag-what-icosapentethyl-is-used-for","tag-what-is-icosapentethyl","tag-what-is-vazkepa","tag-what-vazkepa-is-used-for"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27296","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27296"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27296\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27364,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27296\/revisions\/27364"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27296"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27296"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27296"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}