What is the most important information I should know about omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Follow all directions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed.
What is omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are used together with diet and exercise to help lower triglyceride levels in the blood.
It is not known if omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids will prevent a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids or soybeans.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:
- an allergy to fish or shellfish;
- diabetes;
- liver disease;
- a heart rhythm disorder;
- a pancreas disorder; or
- underactive thyroid.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
You may need frequent blood tests.
You may need to follow a special diet. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods you should eat or avoid.
Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids will not be as effective.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase triglycerides and may make your condition worse.
What are the possible side effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- chest pain; or
- uneven heartbeats.
Common side effects may include:
- loss of appetite;
- diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, belching;
- back pain; or
- dry mouth, altered sense of taste.
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 at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
-
a blood thinner --warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 9.03. Revision date: 8/3/2021.
