Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is one of several omega-3 fatty acids. It is found in cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon. It is also found in fish oil supplements, as well as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Omega-3 fatty acids are part of a healthy diet and can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Consuming more EPA in the diet has positive effects on coronary heart disease, high triglycerides (fats in the blood), high blood pressure and inflammation.
EPA's work
EPA prevents blood from clotting easily. These fatty acids can also reduce pain and swelling.
Purpose and effectiveness
High levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia). Research shows that taking a prescription drug called Vascepa that contains pure EPA can help lower triglyceride levels by 33% in people with very high triglyceride levels. This prescription product also reduces triglyceride levels by about 22 percent and cholesterol levels by 6 percent for most people who take cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins and whose triglyceride levels remain high. Taking this prescription drug also reduces the risk of major heart-related adverse events by about 25 percent in people who take statins and have persistently elevated triglyceride levels and other heart-related risk factors.
High levels of blood fats are called triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia). Research shows that taking specific products containing eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl, eicosapentaenoic acid (made by Amarin and Vascepa) by mouth along with dieting and cholesterol-lowering drugs called "statins" reduces the risk in people with very High triglyceride levels. It may also improve cholesterol levels. This product is FDA approved for use in adults with very high triglyceride levels.
Heart disease (cardiovascular disease). Studies show that for people with high triglycerides, heart disease, or a high risk for heart disease, taking a prescription drug called Vascepa may reduce complications such as heart attacks and strokes.
depression. Research shows that taking pure EPA or fish oil containing at least 60% EPA can reduce symptoms of depression. It may work best when used with antidepressants.
heart attack. After a heart attack, people may have a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to improve blood flow to the heart. Taking EPA by mouth along with medications called "statins" within 24 hours of PCI reduces the risk of heart-related adverse events, such as irregular heart beats (arrhythmias) or death after the procedure. Additionally, taking EPA and "statins" by mouth before undergoing PCI to treat chest pain may reduce the risk of a heart attack after the procedure.
side effect
When taken orally
When taken as a prescription product or as fish oil, EPA is safe for most adults. It has been used safely in research studies for up to 7 years. Most side effects are mild and may include nausea, diarrhea, upper abdominal discomfort, or burping. Taking EPA with a meal often reduces these side effects. EPA is probably safe when taken as part of algae oil (algae oil) for up to 12 weeks. But people should limit their intake of EPA and other omega-3 fatty acids to 3 grams per day, and should not consume more than 2 grams per day from dietary supplements unless approved by their healthcare provider. Doses of more than 3 grams of EPA and other omega-3 fatty acids per day may be unsafe. Consuming more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day may slow blood clotting and may increase the chance of bleeding.
When given by IV
EPA is likely safe for most people when given by IV under the supervision of a healthcare provider. It is generally well tolerated.
Special notes and warnings
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
There is not enough reliable information to know whether EPA is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid using more than the serving size.
irregular heartbeat
For people with a history of irregular heartbeats, EPA may further increase the risk of irregular heartbeats. If you have a heart rhythm disorder, talk to your healthcare provider before starting taking EPA.
aspirin sensitivity
If you are sensitive to aspirin, EPA may affect your breathing.
interactive
Be careful with this combination
High blood pressure medications (antihypertensive drugs) interact with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Using EPA with medications that lower blood pressure may increase the effects of these medications and may lower blood pressure excessively.
Some medications to treat high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), Furosemide (Lasix), etc.
Drugs that slow blood clotting (anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs) interact with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
EPA may slow blood clotting. Taking EPA along with medications that slow blood clotting may increase the chance of bruising and bleeding.
Some drugs that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naproxen, others), dalteparin ( Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), etc.
