Also known as lovaza, omega 3 acid ethyl esters is a type of fat found in fish oil. The omega 3 acid ethyl esters is used as a medication in conjunction with exercise and healthy diets to lower triglyceride (blood fat) levels in people who suffer from high triglyceride levels. High levels of triglyceride are known to put humans at a high risk of developing pancreatic or cardiovascular disease. However, the drug can also be used to raise levels of healthy cholesterol in human being which helps to decrease the risk of stroke and heart attacks. Past studies conducted on Omega-3 acid ethyl esters indicate that the medication has the potential of lowering triglyceride levels by up to 45%. There are two types of omega-3 fatty acids contained in lovaza. They include the docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic.
Lovaza generic
Lovaza is a brand name for omega 3 acid esters polyunsaturated fatty acids. One gram of lovaza contains at least nine hundred milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsule is a generic version of lovaza.
How to use lovaza
Lovaza medication is taken by mouth, with or without food as directed by physician. The medication is taken once or twice in a day and are given by your doctor in the form of capsules . Lovaza capsules are swallowed whole, without chewing, crushing or dissolving. The dosage you are offered is based on your medical condition and response to treatment and is used on regular basis. It is also important to take the medicine to the end even if you feel well before completing the dosage. Most important, do not substitute omega 3 acid ethyl esters fatty acids or fish products for the omega 3 acid ethyl esters used for triglyceride treatment and in case you have questions regarding the use of this medication, it is always important to discuss it with your physician.
Side effects of lovaza
Stomach upsets; A patient taking lovaza can experience a running stomach or some stomach pains. Mild symptoms are okay but when this condition gets severe, it is important to seek medical advice because severe running stomach can lead to dehydration.
Rush development: Use of omega 3 acid ethyl esters used for lowering triglyceride levels can lead to roughening of the patents skin with some pimples. This is a common reaction thus it is not a cause of alarm but if the rushes becomes quite itchy, it is important to seek medical advice.
Heart burns: Taking lovaza can make the patient to produce a lot of gastric acid which results to severe heart burns.
Constipation: Most fats cause hard stool especially if taken in large amounts. The same is a similar side effect of lovaza. It causes constipation which makes passing out stool such a big deal.
Vomiting: Throwing up may be experienced especially due to the unusual taste that one feels on taking the medication.
Belching: The reaction of the omega 3 acid ethyl with other components in the stomach may lead to production of a foul smell through your mouth.
Alteration of taste: You may experience unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth after taking lovaza. This can be eased by taking something sweet like honey to minimize the taste.
Lovaza interaction
Lovaza can interact with medications such as blood thinners which may increase the incidence of bleeding. For that reason , if you are taking any of blood thinning medication, it is important to inform your physician so that they can adjust your dosage.
In conclusion, it is important to note that lovaza is prescribed only to patients with high levels of triglyceride. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to patient with such conditions as atrial fibrillation, pregnancy, breast feeding, allergy to fish among others. Finally, in case you have a reaction towards lovaza, it is good to seek medical advice because some omega 3 side effects can lead to adverse health effects.