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Icosapent for Hypertriglyceridemia User Reviews

Brand names: Vascepa

Icosapent has an average rating of 6.1 out of 10 from a total of 102 reviews for the treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia. 52% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 37% reported a negative experience.

Icosapent rating summary

6.1/10 average rating

102 ratings from 113 user reviews.

Compare all 26 medications used in the treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia.

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3%
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Reviews for Icosapent

  • Nana
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 20, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "I started Vascepa April 27th for high triglycerides. (441) After 3 weeks I started with horrible ankle pain in both ankles. I had been on vacation and attributed it to walking on the beach. It did not go away and after another couple of weeks I started with joint pain in both knees and flu like symptoms. I told my co-workers I felt like my legs weighed 100 lbs each. I could hardly make it through the day. On July 9th I started researching Vascepa as it was the only thing different in my meds. I even was scared I had something like Lupus or Fibromyalgia. Imagine my relief when I saw that the main side effect was joint pain!! I discontinued the Vacepa on July 9th and 10 days later my ankles and knees are pain free and I can sleep again!!! It doesn't affect everyone the same way but for me I'm finished with it!!"

1 / 10
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115 Report
  • Real...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 6, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "I thought I was going to have another heart attack when I went to pick up my prescription and the pharmacist said $350. This drug is made only for the wealthy. Forget about duty and humanity this is just plain greed! I guess I will die an early death and my wife and daughter can collect the life insurance because I sure as hell can't afford Vascepa. It shouldn't cost more for medication than it did for my doctors appointment. It's time for the USA to regulate the price of prescriptions like every other civilized country does. I shouldn't have to take a trip to Mexico to be able to afford my much needed medication."

1 / 10
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  • kingf...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 11, 2020

Vascepa (icosapent) "My triglycerides were at 950! My cholesterol numbers were unreadable due to my high triglyceride level. I was placed on Vascepa and within a few months, the number dropped to 300 with little/no lifestyle changes. A few months later, with a few very small lifestyle adjustments, combined with Vascepa, brought my triglycerides down to 149. My cholesterol levels are in the healthy range, as well. I've had no side effects."

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • suzyQ
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 6, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "I took Vascepa for two and 1/2 weeks. I developed severe hip and leg pain. It got to the point that I couldn't put any weight on one leg. I stopped Vascepa immediately when I figured out that it was the culprit. I'm praying that those side effects go away quickly."

1 / 10
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  • black...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 22, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "Having a terrible family history of heart disease, mother died at 50 from MI, father first heart attack at 48. I've been on Vascepa 4 gm a day for almost nine months. My most recent blood work showed a significant decrease in my triglycerides and LDL. I've had no side effects. I've also experienced decrease in joint pain after exercising and a decrease in anxiety and increase in mood."

10 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • ElseW...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 19, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "I'm an healthy young ( old ) man and after taking Vascepa nearly a year, my life changed. I was watching TV and there was an ad for Vascepa, I read the side effects JOINT PAIN. OMG, that was my problem. Since I had been on this for the whole 2 months I was having severe joint pains and did not know what that was. I try to avoid Doc visits. I have just stopped taking Vascepa and will talk to my Doctor."

1 / 10
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75 Report
  • John
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 8, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "After going on Vescepa for high triglycerides, I noticed a change in weight, and my energy levels, for the better. I sweat a lot more than usual, but drank plenty of water, no sodas or junk food, and adequate amount of exercise. I lost 10 lbs and felt very conditioned. Before I didn't have much energy but after taking these pills twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon and making a lifestyle change, I felt awesome. My blood flow was great, and for me, this pill also worked as an anti inflammatory. I know meds react differently, with different people, but I had great results, again , also with change of diet and exercise. That's the only way any med will work."

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  • Meado...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 7, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "I've been on the drug for a few days and noticed a big change, more trips to the bathroom (and some near miss) my sugars up, my weight up and changing all outings due to the fact that I may have an accident. I started at 4 pills a day, 2 in morning 2 at dinner, then after the side effects I was told to just do one at breakfast. Thank goodness my husband can pee fast or use bathroom down stairs as I have had diarrhea all day. I tried taking it at nite time,yeah that worked well -NOT!!! So stopped the crappy drug and today 8/6/2019, no problems. I've been on Fenofibrate 145 for along time and have not had a problem. I sending the Vascepa garbage back to the fishes and deal with my high tri's & cholestrol & sugars with out the problems Vescepa causes."

1 / 10
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69 Report
  • Mount...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 29, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "After taking Vascepa or two months I have developed side effects of severe bilateral hip pain, buttock and leg pain. Sometimes it’s so bad I feel like crying. I stopped taking it about a week ago and the pain might be slightly better. I’m hoping it will go back to normal. I’ll be discussing this with my Dr. in a couple of weeks."

1 / 10
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  • Digger
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 10, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "Started causing bad leg pain and weakness in legs after about 3 weeks Hip, knees and finger joint started aching bad. Got where I was stumbling and too weak to move. Quit 4 days ago and am getting better now."

2 / 10
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58 Report
  • DMano
  • April 2, 2020

Vascepa (icosapent) "I’ve only been on Vascepa for about two weeks. My doctor put me on it for elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. I have no idea how it’s impacted my blood levels because I haven’t had a blood test done since I’ve been in it but what I can say is I have experienced pretty much every GI side effect connected to this drug. Started with terrible diarrhea and bloating and progressed too bad constipation and stomach pain. On a positive note I have noticed an increase in energy levels and my mood is lifted but I stopped the medication today because the GI side effects are too much."

5 / 10
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49 Report
  • pgchili
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 15, 2021

Vascepa (icosapent) "I have been trying many different drugs to lower my cholesterol and triglycerides. I tried a small dose of Vascepa for 3 months with no side effects. But there was no change in my triglyceride levels. I was then bumped up to 2 grams twice a day. After 35 days the side effects hit me. Diarrhea, severe muscle pain in my legs, ribs and gout flared up. This all started the cycle of side effects. Now experiencing PVC's and dizziness and light headed. Had to go to the ER for the PVC's. Once I stopped the medication the side effects have diminished, PVC's are less frequent, but now I have the urge to pee every 5 minutes along with the dizziness. I experienced just about every side effect possible on this drug. I don't wish these side effects on anyone. I hope the drug works for you."

1 / 10
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  • Nohti
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 22, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "I have been using this drug for over 4 months now (2 pills twice a day) and my triglycerides are still high and have not changed (they actually went up from 198 to 261) from before I began to use this drug. For all the hype I would have expected it to at least have lowered my levels a bit."

1 / 10
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  • Kev81...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 25, 2020

Vascepa (icosapent) "I have critically high triglycerides of 2700 just started this along with crestor. I have been on it now for 2 weeks and I can say I feel amazing. I have bilateral osteonecrosis of the hips so this medication is not effecting me at all . I actually feel more energized , I have also made a diet change to a more organic vegetable food source . My triglycerides being high is actually hereditary for me ,not from poor diet as I don’t eat fried food or junk foods , I’m hoping that medication can bring my level down as Crestor alone brought it down from 3200 to 2700 .So far I’m very happy with the medication.My only complaint is the actual cost ,it’s way to high for most people to be on this medication."

10 / 10
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45 Report
  • addy
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 5, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "4 years on Vascepa for arterial blockages and for just general cardiovascular benefit. Research has proven it reduces heart attack and stroke by 25 per cent. No side effects. It is like taking a vitamin pill. It also acts a little like an anti-depressant in that it improves your mood. The best thing you can do for yourself if you have CV issues."

9 / 10
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53 Report
  • SAM
  • July 27, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "AMAZING!! I've had high cholesterol and high tryg since age of 13. I've been on meds for years and never had normal levels until started Vascepa 1 year ago. Can't be more thankful with normal levels at age of 35 now"

10 / 10
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48 Report
  • Susie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 25, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "Was very excited to start this medication Vascepa due to high triglycerides. The coupon for savings wouldn't work with two pharmacies, the company was saying their rates changed. I couldn't control that or the terrible diarrhea and intestinal problems that followed. If you can't leave the bathroom it's hard to work. Maybe too much of a good thing. I would not recommend this medication."

1 / 10
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45 Report
  • Laude
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 5, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "I have High trig, hypertension, high glucose and bicarbonate. Vascepa with Metformin seems to have dramatically reduced my bad numbers in the blood panels so that now they are near to normal. Additionally, the vascular performance of my lower extremities has improved dramatically. I am not aware of any significant side effects"

10 / 10
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  • Bt120
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 14, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "I’ve been taking a statin for years & my cholesterols & triglycerides were controlled. All of a sudden my triglycerides shot up. No one knows why. My Dr increased my statin dose by 30 % and put me on Vascepa. After 4 months of this very expensive medication my triglycerides went up even higher. Goodbye, Vascepa. Now I’ll have more money for vegetables."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 4, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "I follow all things cardiovascular as my father and grandfather are gone from heart attack. I'm 52 and saw the results of Vascepa announced and talked to my doctor. My cholesterol is controlled by statin and my TG was about 170. I've been on the drug 2 months and had no side effects. In fact, I think it's working well. In general my muscles feel better. At the end of each day I ache in my muscles. It's gone on so long I just took it as normal, and last week I told my wife, the craziest thing, I feel good. As in no more aches at night. Currently pay $194 a month off label "

10 / 10
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  • zmani...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 3, 2013

Vascepa (icosapent) "I started taking Vascepa at 2g to ease the muscle aches from statin use. Within 3 weeks I was pain free and in the gym. It has helped lower my trig profile by 9% and my next visit the cardiologist will set my statin dose to the lowest level. They have a prescription card on their website that will reduce your out of pocket to $25.00 copay per month."

10 / 10
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77 Report
  • skamp
  • May 2, 2018

Vascepa (icosapent) "I have been on Vascepa for about 18 months due to a lengthy medical history with deficits in Kidney, Heart, Lungs, pancreas, and connective tissue. I've battled cholesterol and triglycerides and tried combinations of Lovasa and Statins- nothing worked. I was prescribed Vascepa with Lipitor (10mg). Within six months I have huge improvements! My numbers are only a few points from being normal again, along with improvements in my kidney function, eyesight, reduced systemic inflammation, which had caused four connective tissue tears. I no longer suffer from excruciating body pain! I have not had an asthma attack for over a year. My A1c is 5.9 from a 7.6! I feel healthier than I have felt in at least 10 years. I just learned that my insurance company wants to discontinue paying for Vascepa. My doctor is willing to help me fight this. I call this medication my personal wonder drug! I am not the best diabetic patient so I know the Vascepa is healing me from the inside out!"

10 / 10
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49 Report
  • Kiwi
  • December 18, 2013

Vascepa (icosapent) "I have high LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol. Spent the last 25 yrs using a variety of medicines to reduce my inherited risk of a heart attack. Vascepa is by far the easiest to tolerate (no side effects) and when taken with the Statin (I'm also on Crestor), has produced the best lipid panel (blood test) results in my 25 yrs of tests. Vascepa is a safe way to reduce your high triglycerides without raising your LDL cholesterol levels and to lower them in relation to your HDL levels. Your HDL / TG ratio matters also and Vascepa is very effective at improving this ratio."

10 / 10
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70 Report
  • Osler
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 17, 2019

Vascepa (icosapent) "I was prescribed Vascepa for elevated triglycerides associated with HIV+. As I am on polypharmacy due to various unrelated conditions and many meds in my daily regimen duplicate, interact, enhance or all three, the many side effects associated, my physicians and I are hard-pressed to attribute the cause of most of my discomfort. Recently I developed terrible ankle pain (bilaterally upon flexion). Another review contributor here voiced the identical issue along with foci of seemingly arbitrary intense deep muscle pain (for me, this is in the right quadricept). Stopping all meds and reintroducing them in turn is not an option for me. Additionally, MDs are no longer trained in full; rather, specialty is rife with the lack of scope that results. As I don't feel that Vascepa is of singular need for my life and health, I shall share my thoughts with my PCP and then wean myself off this med with care."

5 / 10
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37 Report
  • BMur
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 1, 2020

Vascepa (icosapent) "Have naturally high triglycerids at peaked at 650, my brother told me about this drug and I had my Dr put me on it. My bloodwork 1 month later came out 160. I had another test 3 months later and it was up to 180. Waiting for most recent test. No side effects"

10 / 10
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35 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.