Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is a prescription medication used to lower triglyceride levels in adults with high triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridemia). It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 26, 2012, and is manufactured by Amarin Corporation.
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are a type of fat that is found in the bloodstream and stored in fat cells. While some triglycerides are essential for bodily functions, high levels of triglycerides in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
How does Vascepa work?
Vascepa is made up of a highly purified form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil. EPA is believed to reduce triglyceride levels by decreasing the production of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, which is a type of cholesterol that carries triglycerides in the blood. By reducing VLDL cholesterol production, Vascepa helps to lower triglyceride levels.
Clinical trials for Vascepa
The approval of Vascepa by the FDA was based on several clinical trials, including the MARINE and ANCHOR trials. The MARINE trial enrolled 229 patients with high triglyceride levels (between 500 and 2000 mg/dL) who were already receiving statin therapy. Patients were randomized to receive Vascepa or placebo, in addition to standard therapy. The study found that Vascepa reduced triglyceride levels by 33.1% compared to placebo. Additionally, Vascepa was well-tolerated, with similar rates of adverse events in both treatment groups.
The ANCHOR trial, which enrolled 702 patients with high triglyceride levels (between 200 and 500 mg/dL) who were already receiving statin therapy, found that Vascepa reduced triglyceride levels by 21.5% compared to placebo.
Side effects of Vascepa
The most common side effect of Vascepa is joint pain. Other side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and nausea. Patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience symptoms such as rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Vascepa and other lipid-lowering medications
Vascepa is not intended to replace other lipid-lowering medications, such as statins or fibrates. Instead, Vascepa is usually used in combination with these medications to further lower triglyceride levels. Vascepa may also be used as a monotherapy in patients who are unable to tolerate or have contraindications to other lipid-lowering medications.
Conclusion
Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is a medication used to lower triglyceride levels in patients with high triglyceride levels. It is made up of a highly purified form of EPA, which reduces triglyceride levels by decreasing the production of VLDL cholesterol. The FDA approved Vascepa in 2012, and clinical trials have shown that it can significantly reduce triglyceride levels. Vascepa is usually used in combination with other lipid-lowering medications, and it may also be used as a monotherapy for patients who are unable to tolerate or have contraindications to other lipid-lowering medications. The most common side effect is joint pain, and patients should contact their healthcare provider if they experience any allergic reactions.
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