Ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid
chemical compound
Icosapent ethyl (USAN, EMA), also known by its chemical name ethyl eicosapentaenoate and incorrect chemical name ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA), sold under the brand name Vascepa among others, is a medication used to treat dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia. It is used in combination with changes in diet in adults with hypertriglyceridemia ≥ 150 mg/dL. Further, it is often required to be used with a statin (maximally-tolerated dose).
The most common side effects are musculoskeletal pain, peripheral edema (swelling of legs and hands), atrial fibrillation, and arthralgia (joint pain). Other common side effects include bleeding, constipation, gout, and rash.
It is made from the omega−3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the approval of icosapent ethyl in 2012, to Amarin Corporation, and it became the second fish oil-based medication after omega-3-acid ethyl esters (brand named Lovaza, itself approved in 2004). In December 2019, the FDA also approved Vascepa as the first drug specifically "to reduce cardiovascular risk among people with elevated triglyceride levels". It is available as a generic medication. Vazkepa was approved in Europe in 2021. In 2023, it was the 244th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 1 million prescriptions.
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