Lovaza is a prescription drug used for treating very high triglycerides. This article from the eMedTV library describes the effects of this fish oil medication, explains when and how to take it, and lists some of its potential side effects.
Common Lovaza side effects include back pain, burping, and indigestion or heartburn. This eMedTV Web page lists other side effects that may occur with Lovaza, including other common side effects as well as rare but possible problems.
Lovaza is used for lowering very high triglycerides in adults. This section of the eMedTV Web site discusses Lovaza uses in more detail, describes how the drug works, and explains whether it is used off-label for treating other conditions.
The usual recommended Lovaza dosage for treating high triglycerides is 4 grams a day. As this page from the eMedTV archives explains, this Lovaza dose can be taken all at once (as four capsules) or twice daily (as two capsules).
Medications that "thin" the blood could cause potentially dangerous Lovaza drug interactions. As this eMedTV article explains, these drug interactions can increase the risk of bleeding, including dangerous internal bleeding.
Since Lovaza is made from fish oil, people with fish allergies may be allergic to Lovaza. This eMedTV page includes other information you should be aware of before using Lovaza. Warnings and precautions on who should not use this drug are also listed.
An overdose of Lovaza (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) may cause upset stomach or internal bleeding. This eMedTV Web page describes other possible Lovaza overdose effects and lists various treatment options that are available for an overdose.
It is currently not known whether Lovaza (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) is safe for use during pregnancy. This eMedTV segment offers more details on Lovaza and pregnancy, and explains what happened when the drug was given to pregnant rats.
It is not known if Lovaza (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) will cause problems if it passes through breast milk. This eMedTV article includes more information on Lovaza and breastfeeding, and explains whether the drug is likely to pass through breast milk.
At this time, there is no generic Lovaza (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) available in the United States. This eMedTV page explores when a generic version of Lovaza may become available and explains the difference between Lovaza and fish oil supplements.
