Omega-3 fatty acids
Indications
Omega-3 fatty acids is used for:
Dyslipidemia, Hypertriglyceridaemin, Prophylaxis of myocardial infarction
Adult Dose
Oral
Hypertriglyceridaemia
Adult: 4 g once daily 2g twice daily.
Secondary prophylaxis of myocardial infarction
Adult: 1 g daily.
Child Dose
<18 years: Safety and efficacy not established
Renal Dose
Administration
Should be taken with food.
Contra Indications
Patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to LOVAZA or any of its components.
Precautions
Haemorrhagic disorders or those receiving anticoagulants or other drugs that have antithrombotic activity; asthmatic patients sensitive to aspirin. Monitor hepatic function in patients with hepatic impairment, especially if receiving high doses.
Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk; use caution
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Side Effects
Side effects of Omega-3 fatty acids :
1-10%
Eructation (4.9%), Infection (4.4%), Flu-like syndrome (3.5%), Dyspepsia (3.1%), Taste perversion (2.7%), Back pain (2.2%), Pain (1.8%), Rash (1.8%), Angina pectoris (1.3%)
Mode of Action
The omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which compete with arachidonic acid for inclusion in cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. Their actions include hypolipidaemic action (especially a reduction in plasma triglycerides) by reducing very-low-density lipoproteins; anti-inflammatory action, attributed to effects on leukotriene synthesis; and antiplatelet effect, attributed to effects on prostanoid synthesis, which promote vasodilatation, reduction in platelet aggregation, increased bleeding time and decreased platelet counts.