What is the most important information I should know about omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Use only as directed and follow all directions on the label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
What is omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?
Certain prescription omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are used in adults, together with diet to help lower triglyceride levels in the blood.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may also be used in combination with other vitamins in adults and children as a dietary supplement.
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, soy, fish or shellfish.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids if you have any health problems.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- diabetes;
- bleeding problems, anemia (low red blood cells);
- a heart rhythm disorder;
- a pancreas disorder;
- underactive thyroid; or
- liver disease.
It is not known if omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Do not give any herbal or health supplement to a child without medical advice.
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. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
The recommended daily dose of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids changes with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You may also consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the NIH, or the USDA Nutrient Database of recommended daily allowances for more information.
Over the counter (OTC) products should not be used to replace medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe to use this product.
Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.
Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and blood tests.
Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.
Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. 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?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Avoid using omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, dandelion, danshen, evening primrose, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, turmeric, and willow.
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:
- burping, changes in your sense of taste;
- loss of appetite;
- diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;
- back pain; or
- dry mouth.
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?
Do not take omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:
-
medicine used to prevent blood clots --alteplase, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, and others; or
-
a blood thinner --warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran.
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 doctor or 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: 10.02. Revision date: 7/19/2023.
