Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids Capsules (Rx)

What is this medication?

FISH OIL, OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS (fish oyl, oh MEH guh three FA tee A suhds) treats high triglyceride levels in your blood. It works by decreasing bad cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in your blood. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lovaza, Magna Omega-3, Ocean Blue Nutritionals Omega-3 1450, Ocean Blue Omega, Ocean Blue Professional Omega-3 2100, Omacor, Omega-3, Ovega-3, Triklo

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• Liver disease
• Low thyroid levels
• Pancreatic disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, fish, shellfish, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush or chew this medication. Swallow the capsules whole. Take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Herbal products like danshen, dong quai, garlic pills, ginger, ginkgo biloba, horse chestnut, willow bark, and others
• Medications that treat or prevent blood clots like enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication.

This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bleeding.

You may need blood work while you are taking this medication.

Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Your care team may give you a special diet to follow. Avoid alcohol. Avoid smoking. Ask your care team how much you should exercise.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Bad breath
• Burping
• Fishy aftertaste
• Heartburn
• Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.