Icosapent Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 3, 2025.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertriglyceridemia

2 g orally twice a day with food

Comments:

• Limitations of Use: The effect of this drug on the risk for pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined.

Uses:

• As an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in patients with severe (500 mg/dL or greater) hypertriglyceridemia
• As an adjunct to maximally tolerated statin therapy to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in patients with elevated TG levels (150 mg/dL or higher) and: established cardiovascular disease OR diabetes mellitus and at least 2 additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease

Usual Adult Dose for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

2 g orally twice a day with food

Comments:

• Limitations of Use: The effect of this drug on the risk for pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined.

Uses:

• As an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in patients with severe (500 mg/dL or greater) hypertriglyceridemia
• As an adjunct to maximally tolerated statin therapy to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in patients with elevated TG levels (150 mg/dL or higher) and: established cardiovascular disease OR diabetes mellitus and at least 2 additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Comments:

• In patients with liver dysfunction, ALT and AST levels should be monitored periodically during therapy.

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to the active component or any of the ingredients

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Prior to initiating therapy, assess lipid levels; identify other causes (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, medications) of high TG levels and manage as appropriate.
• Before receiving this drug, patients should engage in appropriate nutritional intake and physical activity, and this should continue during treatment.
• Administer with or after a meal.
• Swallow capsules whole; do not break open, crush, dissolve, or chew.

Monitoring:

• Hematologic: Bleeding time in patients on concomitant agents affecting coagulation
• Hepatic: ALT and AST in patients with liver dysfunction (periodically during therapy)
• Metabolic: Lipid levels (prior to initiating therapy)

Patient advice:

• Before starting this drug, read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).
• Discontinue therapy and seek medical attention if allergic reactions develop.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered; however, if you miss 1 day of this drug, do not double the dose when you take it.

Frequently asked questions

• Lovaza vs. Vascepa - What's the difference between them?

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer