Thursday, June 21, 2007
omega-3 Omacor
About.com Cholesterol
Omacor®: A New Drug to Treat High Triglyceride Levels
From Jennifer Moll,
Your Guide to Cholesterol.
Stay up to date!
Omacor® is a new medication that consists of a high concentration of highly purified omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in November 2004, this new drug is used to treat hypertriglyceridemia and is meant to serve as an adjunctive therapy in addition to healthy eating habits, and the control of heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels. Hypertriglyceridemia is a condition in which triglyceride levels exceed 500 mg/dL and could be a precursor to serious heart disease if not properly addressed. This medication, which is manufactured by Pronova Biocare and Reliant Pharmaceuticals, was released on the US market in the fall of 2005.
What does Omacor® do and how does it work?
Omacor® consists of two main omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexanoic acid, that function in lowering triglyceride levels. High triglyceride levels are strongly correlated to the development of coronary heart disease. Omacor® has been also noted to reduce VLDL levels. This drug may be used alone or in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications.
The mechanism of action of this drug is completely known; however there are many theories surrounding how omega-3 fatty acids may work. These mechanisms may include reducing the amount of triglycerides made in the liver, inhibition of the esterification of other fatty acids, and the inhibition of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase, which is an enzyme that catalyzes the final step of triglyceride synthesis.
How is Omacor® different than the omega-3 fatty acid products I can get over-the-counter at my local pharmacy?
The manufacturers of Omacor® state that they use a highly modified purification process than differs from what you obtain on the shelves at your local pharmacy. In addition, Omacor ® contains 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids that should be taken four times a day. Some variations of omega-3 fatty acids already on the shelves may be less than this, causing you to take more capsules at a time (and therefore decreasing compliance).
How should I take Omacor®?
Omacor® should be taken with meals. The typical dosage is 4 grams a day, which may be taken as one 1-gram capsule four times a day or two 1-gram capsules twice daily. This dosing is up to the discretion of your health care practitioner.
What are the side effects associated with Omacor®?
Side effects include:rash, possible increase in LDL levels, belching (often called a “fish burp”), upset stomach, an increase in the AST and ALT liver enzymes, prolongation of bleeding time, changes in taste, and flu-like symptoms.
Who should not take this medication?
Patients who are under 18 years of age, pregnant or nursing mothers, patients with bleeding disorders or who are on anticoagulation therapy, and patients with liver disease should consult their health care practitioner before using this drug. Patients demonstrating an allergy to the drug or components that make up the drug should not take this medication.
~ Jennifer Moll, M.S.
This About.com page has been optimized for print. To view this page in its original form, please visit: http://cholesterol.about.com/od/treatments/a/omacor.htm
©2007 About, Inc., a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.
Omacor®: A New Drug to Treat High Triglyceride Levels
From Jennifer Moll,
Your Guide to Cholesterol.
Stay up to date!
Omacor® is a new medication that consists of a high concentration of highly purified omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in November 2004, this new drug is used to treat hypertriglyceridemia and is meant to serve as an adjunctive therapy in addition to healthy eating habits, and the control of heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels. Hypertriglyceridemia is a condition in which triglyceride levels exceed 500 mg/dL and could be a precursor to serious heart disease if not properly addressed. This medication, which is manufactured by Pronova Biocare and Reliant Pharmaceuticals, was released on the US market in the fall of 2005.
What does Omacor® do and how does it work?
Omacor® consists of two main omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexanoic acid, that function in lowering triglyceride levels. High triglyceride levels are strongly correlated to the development of coronary heart disease. Omacor® has been also noted to reduce VLDL levels. This drug may be used alone or in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications.
The mechanism of action of this drug is completely known; however there are many theories surrounding how omega-3 fatty acids may work. These mechanisms may include reducing the amount of triglycerides made in the liver, inhibition of the esterification of other fatty acids, and the inhibition of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase, which is an enzyme that catalyzes the final step of triglyceride synthesis.
How is Omacor® different than the omega-3 fatty acid products I can get over-the-counter at my local pharmacy?
The manufacturers of Omacor® state that they use a highly modified purification process than differs from what you obtain on the shelves at your local pharmacy. In addition, Omacor ® contains 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids that should be taken four times a day. Some variations of omega-3 fatty acids already on the shelves may be less than this, causing you to take more capsules at a time (and therefore decreasing compliance).
How should I take Omacor®?
Omacor® should be taken with meals. The typical dosage is 4 grams a day, which may be taken as one 1-gram capsule four times a day or two 1-gram capsules twice daily. This dosing is up to the discretion of your health care practitioner.
What are the side effects associated with Omacor®?
Side effects include:rash, possible increase in LDL levels, belching (often called a “fish burp”), upset stomach, an increase in the AST and ALT liver enzymes, prolongation of bleeding time, changes in taste, and flu-like symptoms.
Who should not take this medication?
Patients who are under 18 years of age, pregnant or nursing mothers, patients with bleeding disorders or who are on anticoagulation therapy, and patients with liver disease should consult their health care practitioner before using this drug. Patients demonstrating an allergy to the drug or components that make up the drug should not take this medication.
~ Jennifer Moll, M.S.
This About.com page has been optimized for print. To view this page in its original form, please visit: http://cholesterol.about.com/od/treatments/a/omacor.htm
©2007 About, Inc., a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.
# posted by roodbont @ 2:19 PM 
