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Icosapent ethyl is a prescription ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Current U.S. products include Vascepa and generic capsules. Generic labels can differ in indication, while the reference product Vascepa includes both severe hypertriglyceridemia treatment and cardiovascular risk reduction under specified criteria.
read more about icosapent ethyl ...EPA reduces hepatic very low-density lipoprotein triglyceride synthesis and secretion and increases triglyceride clearance from circulating particles. Several metabolic pathways contribute to this effect. The mechanisms responsible for cardiovascular event reduction with the reference product are not completely established.
Current generic icosapent ethyl labels include adults with severe triglyceride levels of at least 500 mg per dL as an adjunct to diet. The Vascepa reference label also includes adults with triglycerides of at least 150 mg per dL who meet specified cardiovascular disease or diabetes risk criteria while receiving maximally tolerated statin therapy.
The daily dose is 4 g taken with food. This is given as four 0.5 g capsules twice daily or two 1 g capsules twice daily when those strengths are used. Capsules are swallowed whole and are not opened, crushed, dissolved, or chewed.
Icosapent ethyl can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter requiring hospitalization and can increase bleeding risk. Bleeding risk is greater with antiplatelet or anticoagulant medicines. Products are derived from fish oil, so patients with fish or shellfish allergy are advised about the potential for allergic reactions.
Icosapent ethyl is a prescription ethyl ester of the omega-3 fatty acid EPA.
The labeled daily dose is 4 g taken with food in two divided doses.
No. Current generic labels can list severe hypertriglyceridemia, while the Vascepa reference label also includes cardiovascular risk reduction under specified criteria.
Yes. Bleeding risk is increased, especially when antiplatelet or anticoagulant medicines are used at the same time.
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction With Icosapent Ethyl for Hypertriglyceridemia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30415628/. Date Accessed October 2, 2026.
DailyMed - ICOSAPENT - icosapent ethyl capsule. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1aca884c-c464-900d-ac06-33aee7118df8. Date Accessed October 2, 2026.
DailyMed - VASCEPA - icosapent ethyl capsule. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9c1a2828-1583-4414-ab22-a60480e8e508. Date Accessed October 2, 2026.
Icosapent Ethyl - MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a613024.html. Date Accessed October 2, 2026.
REDUCE-IT USA - Results From the 3146 Patients Randomized in the United States. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31707829/. Date Accessed October 2, 2026.