What is Lovaza (Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are found in oil from certain types of fish, vegetables, and other plant sources. These fatty acids are not made by the body and must be consumed in the diet. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids work by lowering the body’s production of triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides can lead to coronary artery disease, heart disease, and stroke.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are used together with diet and exercise to help lower triglyceride levels in the blood.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Lovaza (Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Swallow the omega-3 polyunsaturated capsule whole. Do not puncture or open the capsule.
This medication is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
There may be other drugs that can affect omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lovaza (Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to fish or soybeans.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using this medicine if you have:

diabetes
liver disease
a pancreas disorder
underactive thyroid
if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before you take omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids pass into breast milk or if this could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old.

Lovaza Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Lovaza (Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
chest pain; or
uneven heartbeats

Less serious side effects may include:

back pain
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth
upset stomach, belching; or
mild skin rash

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA

Lovaza Interactions

What other drugs affect Lovaza (Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

estrogens (birth control pills or hormone replacement)
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others; or
a diuretic (water pill) such as chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL, Microzide), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), and others

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Lovaza (Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. This medication will not be as effective in lowering your triglycerides if you do not follow the diet plan recommended by your doctor.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase triglycerides and may make your condition worse.

Lovaza Dosage

How should I take Lovaza (Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

What happens if I overdose on Lovaza (Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of Lovaza (Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com

Lovaza Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Lovaza (Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)