Lovaza (Omega 3 Acid Ethyl Esters)

What is Lovaza?

Lovaza is a fat-regulating medicine, which has active ingredient Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, found in certain types of fish oil, vegetables and other plant sources.

What is Lovaza used for?

Lovaza is used, along with proper diet and exercise schedule, to lower high levels of triglycerides in the blood in order to keep the liver functioning in a healthy manner. Lovaza may also be used for increasing the level of ‘good’ cholesterol in the body and preventing serious bodily diseases such as coronary heart disease.

The medication helps in enhancing the metabolic level which in turn helps the body lose weight.

How does Lovaza work?

Lovaza consists of Omega-3 acid ethyl esters, found in fish oil, which lowers the triglycerides in the blood.

How to use Lovaza

Take the medication in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Do not take it for longer period or in larger amount than recommended as it may cause some health problems.

Lovaza is taken orally with food. Do not open the capsule, swallow it at once. It is important to continue your routine exercises and diet program, to get desired effects of this medicine.

Lovaza warnings and precautions

Do not take Lovaza before thoroughly checking for ingredients that you might be allergic to. Lovaza contains soy and fish products, so if you are affected by these in any way, tell your doctor before he prescribes the medicine to you. Pregnant or lactating mothers are advised to consult the doctor before taking this medicine.

If you suffer from blood clotting, hypothyroidism, liver, pancreatic diseases or even diabetes, consume more than two glasses of alcohol every day, check with your doctor before taking the medicine.

Do not neglect your diet and weight control program when taking Lovaza.

Do not change your dosage or stop taking the medicine without consulting the doctor. Even if you start seeing positive or no results, do not stop taking the medicine until advised by your medical advisor.

What do I do if I have missed a Lovaza dose?

If you have missed your Lovaza dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, you can skip the missed dose if it’s almost time to take the next one. Never take two doses at a single time.

What do I do if I have taken a Lovaza overdose?

If you have taken a Lovaza overdose, take help of your local medical emergency room.

Lovaza interactions

You must tell your doctor if you are taking herbal preparations, dietary supplements and any prescribed or non-prescribed medicine, before starting the course of Lovaza. Seek advice from your doctor, especially if you are taking beta-blockers such as atenolol, water pills or diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide.

Also, take your doctor’s advice before taking anticoagulants like warfarin, as it may increase the risk of side effects of Lovaza. Drugs such as aspirin, motrin and heparin should not be taken without the advice of your doctor, as they are expected to interact with Lovaza.

Lovaza side effects

You must check with your doctor if you experience some common side effects of Lovaza, including back pain, taste changes, upset stomach, flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches, headache, and fever.

If there is easy bruising and bleeding, black or tarry stool, and vomit which looks like coffee grounds, seek immediate medical attention. These are serious side effects of Lovaza and thus need to be treated without delay. Also, consult your doctor, if you experience other serious side effects from Lovaza such as allergic reactions like itching, hives, tightness in chest, swelling of the mouth, face, tongue or lips, and breathing difficulty.

Some other Lovaza side effects are changes in vision, irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain, sudden shortness of breath, dizziness, vomiting, faintness, numbness of an arm or leg, or chest pain.