What is Lovaza, and Who Should Be Using it?

What is Lovaza?

Lovaza® is a formulation of omega-3 acid ethyl esters — a substance found in fish oil — that helps to control the levels of a certain kind of fat in the blood called triglycerides.

Lovaza has been proven to lower triglycerides in the body by increasing the natural fatty acid oxidation process. Through this, the body suppresses hepatic lipogenesis — the liver’s usual ability to convert excess glucose (sugar) into fat.

When hepatic lipogenesis is reduced, levels of triglycerides in the blood drop, lowering the risk of developing severe secondary conditions or events like:

• Heart or liver disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Metabolic and nutritional disorders like diabetes
• Stroke
• Heart attack

Lovaza’s uses and capabilities

Lovaza is used to treat a condition called hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) — or high triglycerides in the blood – that is associated with a higher risk of developing serious heart and liver diseases that can be fatal.

Taking Lovaza lowers triglycerides, and it may also be helpful in preventing heart attacks and strokes as similar medications have demonstrated a cardiovascular benefit.

Doctors usually recommend using Lovaza as a complement to a healthy lifestyle and diet that have been specifically designed to reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

What are the benefits of using Lovaza or lowering triglycerides?

It’s important to note that research is still ongoing about the possible developmental and health benefits of Lovaza, but Lovaza has been approved by the FDA as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia.

Most medical professionals agree that lowering triglycerides, with or without medication, can help:

• Improve cardiovascular health
• Lower the risk of developing severe heart disease
• Reduce the risk of developing blood clots
• Lower the risk of developing some cancers
• Improve brain function
• Treat and control eczema

Lovaza contains two forms of omega-3, a substance that’s critical for optimal bodily functioning like muscle activity and cell growth. The body can’t produce omega-3s on its own, so we usually get our daily intake from food like salmon, shellfish, nuts, and seeds.

The History of Lovaza

The use of Lovaza has been approved by the FDA to treat and lower very high triglycerides in the blood.

Research has shown that Lovaza significantly decreases the level of triglycerides in the body when used as a complement to a healthy lifestyle. It was first approved by the U.S. FDA in 2004 under the name Omacor® (owned by Abbott Laboratories).

What’s the difference between Lovaza and OTC fish oil supplements?

Lovaza is a purified omega-3 fatty acid formulation containing 465 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 375 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in each capsule. EPA and DHA are the active fatty acids proven to lower high triglycerides.

Lovaza is not the same as over-the-counter fish oil supplements and should not be replaced by other omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil products like non-prescription products, vitamins, or supplements without the guidance of your doctor. Substitutions typically don’t contain the same amount or ratio of fatty acids that Lovaza does and may be less effective at treating medical conditions.

Because it is FDA-approved, Lovaza is also regulated by the FDA for purity and dose standards, and every capsule contains 4 grams of omega-3 per dose. Over-the-counter fish oils, by comparison, have no consistent regulatory hurdle or inspection process.

Medications like Lovaza are most often used alongside a doctor-recommended diet and exercise regimen.

Lovaza also goes through a 5-step purification process while the capsules are being manufactured to ensure that mercury and other harmful toxins are removed in the final product.

Vascepa® (icosapent ethyl) is the only other prescription omega-3 fatty acid product approved for high triglycerides.

Potential Side Effects of Lovaza

Lovaza doesn’t usually cause side effects, with few patients reporting negative reactions. In rare cases, Lovaza patients report experiencing:

• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Burping
• Strange taste in the mouth

Most side effects are usually mild and resolve quickly. Serious symptoms from Lovaza are rare but can include:

• Allergic reactions
• Dizziness
• Trouble breathing
• Swelling of the face, tongue, and throat
• Rash
• Itchiness
• Bleeding
• Bruising

If you develop any severe side effects when using Lovaza, reach out to your doctor — or call 911 if you believe you’re experiencing a medical emergency.

Drug Interactions With Lovaza

Although Lovaza is a mild medication, it can interact with certain medications and cause unintended side effects.

The following medications should not be taken with Lovaza to avoid severe complications:

Blood thinners

Lovaza can interact with blood-thinning medication or any drug affecting coagulation (blood clotting). Taking these medications together can increase the risk of uncontrollable or prolonged bleeding, and include:

• Aspirin
• Clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Eliquis (Apixaban)

If you're taking an anticoagulant or other drug that can affect bleeding, let your healthcare provider know before starting Lovaza.

Chemotherapy

Some forms of omega-3 can reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs called platinum agents.

More research is needed — especially in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, a common comorbidity of cancer — to determine how Lovaza can impact chemotherapy.

Speak to your doctor before you start taking Lovaza if you’re currently receiving chemotherapy.

What happens if you take too much omega-3?

Although the extent varies for each patient, taking too much omega-3 can actually have an adverse effect on your health.

The most common problems related to an omega-3 overdose include:

• Hypervitaminosis A: This is when a person has consumed an excessive amount of vitamin A, which can lead to an accumulation of toxic fluids around the liver. You may also experience hair loss, oily or peeling skin, or joint pain.
• Hypervitaminosis D: This happens when a person consumes too much vitamin D, which can cause calcium to leave the bones and enter the bloodstream. If this happens, the kidneys can become damaged. You may also feel fatigued, irritable, and dehydrated.

Consuming too many omega-3 fatty acids may also increase your risk of:

• Hemorrhagic stroke
• Weakened immune system
• Bleeding

It’s important to note that there is no single tolerance for omega-3 consumption in humans. If you’re considering incorporating omega-3 supplements into your diet, speak with a doctor first.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Long-Term Use of Lovaza?

Long-term use of Lovaza is considered fine and safe as long as you’re following the guidance of a licensed medical provider.

Since Lovaza undergoes a purification process, there are fewer risks associated with mercury and environmental toxin poisoning than with non-FDA regulated OTC supplements.

Where Can I Learn More About Lovaza and Fish Oil Drugs?

LifeMD is a telehealth partner for Lovaza and can help eligible patients get a hypertriglyceridemia diagnosis and determine the right course of treatment — completely online.

It’s fast and easy, and you can stay in touch with your prescribing physician by messaging them in your LifeMD patient portal at any time.

Learn more about hypertriglyceridemia, your treatment options, and lifestyle choices that can help — all with a LifeMD virtual visit today.

Sources

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1083868/
• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/021654s023lbl.pdf
• https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/cancer-topics/general-oncology/cancer-patients-should-avoid-fish-fish-oil-during-chemo-researchers-warn/