Omega

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules are indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe (greater than or equal to 500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. Usage Considerations: Patients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving omega-3-acid ethyl esters and should continue this diet during treatment with omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules. Laboratory studies should be done to ascertain that the lipid levels are consistently abnormal before instituting therapy with omega-3-acid ethyl esters. …

• Assess TG levels carefully before initiating therapy
• Identify other causes (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, medications) of high TG levels and manage as appropriate [see Indications and Usage ]
• Patients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, and should continue this diet during treatment with omega-3-acid ethyl esters
• In clinical studies, omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules was administered with meals
• The daily dose of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules is 4 grams per day
• The daily dose may be taken as a single 4-gram dose (4 capsules) or as two 2-gram doses (2 capsules given twice daily)
• Patients should be advised to swallow omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules whole
• Do not break open, crush, dissolve, or chew omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules
• The daily dose of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules is 4 grams per day taken as a single 4-gram dose (4 capsules) or as two 2-gram doses (2 capsules given twice daily)
• Patients should be advised to swallow omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules whole
• Do not break open, crush, dissolve, or chew omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP are supplied as 1 gram clear, transparent oblong capsules containing clear to light yellow colored solution imprinted with ‘AT 132’ with white ink. Capsules: 1 gram

• Safety and effectiveness
• In pediatric patients have not been established

A limited number of subjects older than 65 years were enrolled in the clinical trials of omega-3-acid ethyl esters. Safety and efficacy findings in subjects older than 60 years did not appear to differ from those of subjects younger than 60 years.

• Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information)
• Information for Patients Omega-3-acid ethyl esters should be used with caution in patients with known sensitivity or allergy to fish and/or shellfish [see Warnings and Precautions ]
• Advise patients that use of lipid-regulating agents does not reduce the importance of adhering to diet [see Dosage and Administration ]
• Advise patients not to alter omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules in any way and to ingest intact capsules only [see Dosage and Administration ]
• Instruct patients to take omega-3-acid ethyl esters as prescribed. …

• Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to omega-3-acid ethyl esters or any of its components
• Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to omega-3-acid ethyl esters or any of its components

Omega-3-acids may prolong bleeding time. Patients taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules and an anticoagulant or other drug affecting coagulation (e.g., anti-platelet agents) should be monitored periodically. (7.1) 7.1 Anticoagulants or Other Drugs Affecting Coagulation Some trials with omega-3-acids demonstrated prolongation of bleeding time. The prolongation of bleeding time reported in these trials has not exceeded normal limits and did not produce clinically significant bleeding episodes. Clinical trials have not been done to thoroughly examine the effect of omega-3-acid ethyl esters and concomitant anticoagulants. …

In patients with hepatic impairment, monitor ALT and AST levels periodically during therapy. (5.1) Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules may increase levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Monitor LDL levels periodically during therapy. (5.1) Use with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish. (5.2) There is a possible association between omega-3-acid ethyl esters and more frequent recurrences of symptomatic atrial fibrillation or flutter in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation, particularly within the first months of initiating therapy. …

The most common adverse reactions (incidence >3% and greater than placebo) were eructation, dyspepsia, and taste perversion. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Camber Pharmaceuticals Inc., at 1-866-495-8330 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. …

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The available data from published case reports and the pharmacovigilance database on the use of omega-3-acid ethyl esters in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. …

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.