Medication reference
Icosapent Ethyl
ORAL
Icosapent Ethyl. INDICATIONS AND USAGE VASCEPA ® (icosapent ethyl) is indicated: as an adjunct to maximally tolerated statin therapy to reduce the risk of myocardial i

Brand names
ICOSAPENT ETHYLIcosapent EthylIcosapenticosapent ethylVascepa
Active ingredients
ICOSAPENT ETHYL
Indications
INDICATIONS AND USAGE VASCEPA ® (icosapent ethyl) is indicated: as an adjunct to maximally tolerated statin therapy to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in adult patients with elevated triglyceride (TG) levels (≥ 150 mg/dL) and established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus and 2 or more additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. as an adjunct to diet to reduce TG levels in adult patients with severe (≥ 500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. Limitations of Use: The effect of VASCEPA on the risk for pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined. VASCEPA is an ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) indicated: as an adjunct to maximally tolerated statin therapy to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in adult patients with elevated triglyceride (TG) levels(≥ 150 mg/dL) and established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus and 2 or more additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. ( 1 ) as an adjunct to diet to reduce TG levels in adult patients with severe (≥ 500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: The effect of VASCEPA on the risk for pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined. ( 1 )
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Assess lipid levels before initiating therapy. Identify other causes of high triglyceride levels and manage as appropriate. ( 2.1 ) Patients should engage in appropriate nutritional intake and physical activity before receiving icosapent ethyl capsules, which should continue during treatment. ( 2.1 ) The daily dose of icosapent ethyl capsules are 4 grams per day taken as either four 0.5 gram capsules twice daily with food or two 1 gram capsules twice daily with food. ( 2.2 ) Advise patients to swallow capsules whole. Do not break open, crush, dissolve, or chew icosapent ethyl capsules. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Prior to Initiation of Icosapent Ethyl Capsules Assess lipid levels before initiating therapy. Identify other causes (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, or medications) of high triglyceride levels and manage as appropriate. Patients should engage in appropriate nutritional intake and physical activity before receiving icosapent ethyl capsules, which should continue during treatment with icosapent ethyl capsules. 2.2 Dosage and Administration The daily dose of icosapent ethyl capsules are 4 grams per day taken as either: -four 0.5 gram capsules twice daily with food; or as -two 1 gram capsules twice daily with food. Advise patients to swallow icosapent ethyl capsules whole. Do not break open, crush, dissolve, or chew icosapent ethyl capsules. 2.1 Prior to Initiation of Icosapent Ethyl Capsules Assess lipid levels before initiating therapy. Identify other causes (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, or medications) of high triglyceride levels and manage as appropriate. Patients should engage in appropriate nutritional intake and physical activity before receiving icosapent ethyl capsules, which should continue during treatment with icosapent ethyl capsules. 2.2 Dosage and Administration The daily dose of icosapent ethyl capsules are 4 grams per day taken as either: -four 0.5 gram capsules twice daily with food; or as -two 1 gram capsules twice daily with food. Advise patients to swallow icosapent ethyl capsules whole. Do not break open, crush, dissolve, or chew icosapent ethyl capsules.
Warnings
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter : Icosapent ethyl was associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter requiring hospitalization in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The incidence of atrial fibrillation was greater in patients with a previous history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. ( 5.1 ) Potential for Allergic Reactions in Patients with Fish Allergy : Icosapent ethyl capsules contains ethyl esters of the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), obtained from the oil of fish. It is not known whether patients with allergies to fish and/or shellfish are at increased risk of an allergic reaction to icosapent ethyl capsules. Inform patients with known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish about the potential for allergic reactions and advise them to discontinue icosapent ethyl and seek medical attention if any reactions occur. ( 5.2 ) Bleeding: Icosapent ethyl was associated with an increased risk of bleeding in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The incidence of bleeding was greater in patients receiving concomitant antithrombotic medications, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter Icosapent ethyl is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter requiring hospitalization. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 8,179 subjects, adjudicated atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter requiring hospitalization for 24 or more hours occurred in 127 (3%) patients treated with icosapent ethyl compared to 84 (2%) patients receiving placebo [HR= 1.5 (95% CI 1.14, 1.98)]. The incidence of atrial fibrillation was greater in patients with a previous history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. 5.2 Potential for Allergic Reactions in Patients with Fish Allergy Icosapent ethyl contains ethyl esters of the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), obtained from the oil of fish. It is not known whether patients with allergies to fish and/or shellfish are at increased risk of an allergic reaction to icosapent ethyl. Inform patients with known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish about the potential for allergic reactions to icosapent ethyl and advise them to discontinue icosapent ethyl and seek medical attention if any reactions occur. 5.3 Bleeding Icosapent ethyl is associated with an increased risk of bleeding. In a double-blind, placebo- controlled trial of 8,179 patients, 482 (12%) patients receiving icosapent ethyl experienced a bleeding event compared to 404 (10%) patients receiving placebo. Serious bleeding events occurred in 111 (3%) of patients on icosapent ethyl vs. 85 (2%) of patients receiving placebo. The incidence of bleeding was greater in patients receiving concomitant antithrombotic medications, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin. 5.1 Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter Icosapent ethyl is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter requiring hospitalization. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 8,179 subjects, adjudicated atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter requiring hospitalization for 24 or more hours occurred in 127 (3%) patients treated with icosapent ethyl compared to 84 (2%) patients receiving placebo [HR= 1.5 (95% CI 1.14, 1.98)]. The incidence of atrial fibrillation was greater in patients with a previous history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. 5.3 Bleeding Icosapent ethyl is associated with an increased risk of bleeding. In a double-blind, placebo- controlled trial of 8,179 patients, 482 (12%) patients receiving icosapent ethyl experienced a bleeding event compared to 404 (10%) patients receiving placebo. Serious bleeding events occurred in 111 (3%) of patients on icosapent ethyl vs. 85 (2%) of patients receiving placebo. The incidence of bleeding was greater in patients receiving concomitant antithrombotic medications, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Icosapent ethyl capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to icosapent ethyl capsules or any of its components. Icosapent ethyl capsules is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to icosapent ethyl capsules or any of its components. ( 4 )
Drug interactions
DRUG INTERACTIONS Increased Bleeding Risk with Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents: Some published studies with omega-3 fatty acids have demonstrated prolongation of bleeding time. Monitor patients receiving icosapent ethyl capsules and concomitant anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet agents for bleeding. ( 7 ) 7.1 Increased Bleeding Risk with Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents Some published studies with omega-3 fatty acids have demonstrated prolongation of bleeding time. The prolongation of bleeding time reported in those studies has not exceeded normal limits and did not produce clinically significant bleeding episodes. Monitor patients receiving icosapent ethyl capsules and concomitant anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet agents for bleeding.
Adverse reactions
ADVERSE REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial Flutter [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Potential for Allergic Reactions in Patients with Fish Allergy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Common adverse reactions (incidence ≥3% and ≥1% more frequent than placebo): musculoskeletal pain, peripheral edema, constipation, gout, and atrial fibrillation ( 6.1 ) Common adverse reactions in the hypertriglyceridemia trials (incidence ≥1% more frequent than placebo): arthralgia and oropharyngeal pain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Inc. at 1-888-375-3784 or contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Common adverse reactions (incidence ≥3% on icosapent ethyl and ≥1% more frequent than placebo) included musculoskeletal pain, peripheral edema, constipation, gout, and atrial fibrillation. Hypertriglyceridemia Trials In two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in patients with triglyceride levels between 200 and 2000 mg/dL treated for 12 weeks, adverse reactions reported with icosapent ethyl at an incidence ≥1% more frequent than placebo based on pooled data included arthralgia and oropharyngeal pain. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of icosapent ethyl capsules. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Diarrhea Blood triglycerides increased Abdominal discomfort Pain in the extremities 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of icosapent ethyl capsules. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Diarrhea Blood triglycerides increased Abdominal discomfort Pain in the extremities
Mechanism of action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Studies suggest that EPA reduces hepatic very low-density lipoprotein triglycerides (VLDL-TG) synthesis and/or secretion and enhances TG clearance from circulating VLDL particles. Potential mechanisms of action include increased β-oxidation; inhibition of acyl-CoA:1,2-diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT); decreased lipogenesis in the liver; and increased plasma lipoprotein lipase activity. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics In a 12-week, dose-ranging study in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, icosapent ethyl 4 grams per day reduced median TG from baseline relative to placebo [see Clinical Studies (14)] . 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption After oral administration, icosapent ethyl is de-esterified during the absorption process and the active metabolite EPA is absorbed in the small intestine and enters the systemic circulation mainly via the thoracic duct lymphatic system. Peak plasma concentrations of EPA were reached approximately 5 hours following oral doses of icosapent ethyl. Icosapent ethyl capsules was administered with or following a meal in all clinical studies; no food effect studies were performed. Take icosapent ethyl capsules with or following a meal. Distribution The mean volume of distribution at steady state of EPA is approximately 88 liters. The majority of EPA circulating in plasma is incorporated in phospholipids, triglycerides and cholesteryl esters, and <1% is present as the unesterified fatty acid. Greater than 99% of unesterified EPA is bound to plasma proteins. Elimination Metabolism EPA is mainly metabolized by the liver via beta-oxidation similar to dietary fatty acids. Beta oxidation splits the long carbon chain of EPA into acetyl Coenzyme A, which is converted into energy via the Krebs cycle. Cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism is a minor pathway of elimination of EPA. Excretion The total plasma clearance of EPA at steady state is 684 mL/hr. The plasma elimination half-life (t 1/2 ) of EPA is approximately 89 hours. Icosapent ethyl does not undergo renal excretion. Specific Populations Gender When administered icosapent ethyl in clinical trials, plasma total EPA concentrations did not differ significantly between men and women. Pediatric The pharmacokinetics of icosapent ethyl have not been studied in pediatric patients. Hepatic or Renal Impairment Icosapent ethyl has not been studied in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Drug Interaction Studies Omeprazole In a drug-drug interaction study with 28 healthy adult subjects, icosapent ethyl 4 g/day at steady-state did not significantly change the steady-state AUC τ or C max of omeprazole when co-administered at 40 mg/day to steady-state. Rosiglitazone In a drug-drug interaction study with 28 healthy adult subjects, icosapent ethyl 4 g/day at steady-state did not significantly change the single dose AUC or C max of rosiglitazone at 8 mg. Warfarin In a drug-drug interaction study with 25 healthy adult subjects, icosapent ethyl 4 g/day at steady-state did not significantly change the single dose AUC or C max of R - and S -warfarin or the anti-coagulation pharmacodynamics of warfarin when co-administered as racemic warfarin at 25 mg. Atorvastatin In a drug-drug interaction study of 26 healthy adult subjects, icosapent ethyl 4 g/day at steady-state did not significantly change the steady-state AUC τ or C max of atorvastatin, 2-hydroxyatorvastatin, or 4-hydroxyatorvastatin when co-administered with atorvastatin 80 mg/day at steady-state.
Available forms (4)
NDC examples
72865-28972865-29071335-307242291-04672162-100043598-26767184-058242806-57660429-00531722-29831722-29972603-129
Treats these conditions
Source: openFDA + RxNorm · 2026
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