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

Adverse 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%)

Mechanism 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.