FDA Approves First Fish Oil Drug To Treat Very High Triglyceride Levels

The Food and Drug Administration has announced its approval of a drug called Vascepa to treat certain patients suffering from very high triglyceride levels. This drug differs from commonly available fish oil supplements and prescription omega-3 pills in some important ways; based on studies involving it, the prescription may work alongside statins to protect heart patients.READ: Fish oil may significantly reduce heart attack risk

Vascepa is a prescription ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid, more commonly called E-EPA. This substance is offered as a medication to treat people who have very high triglyceride levels; according to the FDA, its approval covers Vascepa as a secondary therapy to be used alongside statin therapy.

This is the first time the FDA has approved an EPA-based prescription treatment. Unlike the fish oil and omega-3 supplements sold over the counter, Vascepa contains EPA without the DHA component, which may increase cholesterol levels. This is a problem for patients suffering from high triglyceride levels because they often also have high LDL 'bad' cholesterol levels.

The FDA says that Vascepa's safety and efficacy were determined by a study involving more than 8,000 patients ages 45 and older who had diseases that included coronary artery disease and diabetes. Based on the findings, the FDA says this drug decreases the risk of heart attack and stroke for these patients.

With that said, the meditation isn't without potential risk. The drug may be problematic for people who have an atrial flutter or fibrillation and bleeding issues. As well, and as you'd likely expect given what Vascepa is derived from, the meditation may not be suitable for people who have shellfish or fish allergies. Finally, the FDA says this drug may cause joint pain, swelling in the hands and feet, and musculoskeletal pain.