OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS - ORAL
Common Brand Name(s): Max Epa, Omega-3, Salmon Oil, Superepa
Information last revised August 2010
What does OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS - ORAL look like?
Fish Oil Extra Strength 435 mg-880 mg Cap
omega-3 fatty acids-fish oil 360 mg-1,200 mg Cap
Fish Oil Concentrate 1,000 mg Cap
omega-3 fatty acids-fish oil 300 mg-1,000 mg Cap
Fish Oil Extra Strength 435 mg-880 mg Cap
Fish Oil 340 mg-1,000 mg Cap
Uses:
Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat) and also to promote healthy skin. They are also used along with diet and exercise to help lower levels of a certain blood fat (triglyceride) and to raise levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL). This product may also be used to help treat high blood pressure or rheumatoid arthritis. The US Food and Drug Administration has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Missed Dose
If you are taking this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How To Use
Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the package label. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you are using the chewable form of this product, chew thoroughly before swallowing. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
Drug Interactions
If you are taking this product under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin, heparins), other vitamins/supplements. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., cholesterol, liver function tests) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Precautions
Before taking omega-3 fatty acids, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to them; or to fish or soy products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Protect from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze. Keep all drug products away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Side Effects
Fishy aftertaste (if your product is made from fish oil), nausea, bloating, or burping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this product, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
Copyright 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
