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 other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to fish or soybeans.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using this medicine if you have:
diabetes;
liver disease;
a pancreas disorder;
underactive thyroid;
if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is
harmful to an unborn baby. Before you take omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, tell your doctor if
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids pass into breast milk or if this
could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old.
How should I take 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 works best if you take it with food.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a
regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your
doctor.
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.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Your pharmacist has information about omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids written for health professionals that you may read.
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.
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.
If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
There may be other drugs that can affect omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Tell your doctor
about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals,
herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using 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.
What should I avoid while taking omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. This medication will not be as effective in
lowering your triglycerides if you do not follow the diet plan recommended by your doctor.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase triglycerides and may make your condition worse.
What other drugs will affect omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
estrogens (birth control pills or hormone replacement);
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), carvedilol
(Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal,
InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others; or
a diuretic (water pill) such as chlorothiazide (Diuril),
hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL, Microzide), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone),
indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter
medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other
doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
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a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
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interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009