Icosapent and Gout: What Users Say

• pgc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2021

For Hypertriglyceridemia "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 PVCs, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Had to go to the ER for the PVCs. Once I stopped the medication, the side effects have diminished, PVCs 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."

• jba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2020

For Hypertriglyceridemia "After 2 months of Vascepa, 2 caps twice daily, had an occurrence of gout, which I didn't associate with Vascepa usage. Also, developed a progressive problem with shortness of breath, which started mildly and grew severe. Decided to review Vascepa side effects since it was the only drug added to my normal regime of meds. Appears 'gouty arthritis' and SOB are listed as patient side effects. I've discontinued use. The plasma 1/2 life of Vascepa is 89 hours, so it remains in the blood extremely long and is not excreted through the kidneys. Vascepa may have helped my high triglycerides, I will never know since side effects outweigh possible benefits."

• dou...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2021

For Hypertriglyceridemia "Heart doctor put me on it for high triglycerides and increased dosage to four a day. I no longer can ride in a car or hardly walk from the severe pain these pills have caused. I have regular feelings of gout, aching in both shoulders, and Afib. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. Didn't start out this way but sure has ended this way. Got to get in and figure something else out before something else gives out on my body."

• joh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2022

For Hypertriglyceridemia "MD put me on Vascepa as an alternative to Gemfibrozil just to try it out. Did work well on overall triglycerides but triggered what appeared to be gout in my left big toe. I am already treated for gout, so when we did a uric acid level test, it was around 5 (which is good), indicating this was not a normal gout attack even though it feels exactly like it. Stopped Vascepa last week but am on vacation, so having to walk more than usual, so toe pain is taking forever to settle down. Optimistic from reading other comments it will resolve now off of Vascepa. One confusing thing is why this appears like gout but uric acid levels are low, so not sure how crystals are forming. Zero help from Vascepa online information."