Generic name: omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [ oh-MAY-ga-3 POL-ee-un-SAT-yoo-ray-ted-FAT-ee-AS-ids ]
Brand names: Eye Omega Benefits for Kids, Fish Oil, Lovaza, MegaKrill, Nature's Bounty Red Krill Oil, ... show all 74 brands Omega-3 Fish Oil, Prenatal DHA, Vascazen, Vitafusion Omega-3 Gummies, Sea-Omega, Marine Lipid Concentrate, Super-EPA, MaxEPA, Proepa, Omega-500, EPA Fish Oil, Omega-3, Icar Prenatal Essential Omega-3, Omacor, Sea-Omega 30, Sea-Omega 70, Mi-Omega, Mi-Omega NF, Animi-3, TheraTears Nutrition, MaxiVision Omega-3 Formula, MaxiTears Dry Eye Formula, Divista, Fish Oil Ultra, TherOmega, Animi-3 with Vitamin D, Omega Essentials Basic, TherOmega Sport, Triple Strength Red Krill Oil, Salmon Oil, Dual Spectrum Omega-3, Disney Omega-3 Gummies, Epanova, Ovega-3 Vegetarian, Vayarin, Wellbaby DHA, Vayacog, Vayarin Plus, BP Vit 3, Omera, De3 Dry Eye Omega Benefits, De Dye Eye Omega Benefits, MegaRed Advanced, Schiff Antarctic Krill and Fish Oil Blend, Schiff Antarctic Krill Oil, Smart Heart, Omega Monopure, Omegapure 900 EC, Omegapure 780 EC, Life's DHA Adult, Omega-V Benefits, Omega MonoPure 650 EC, Omegapure 820, Max DHA, Omegapure 600 EC, Omegapure 900-TG, Ultra Omega-3, Omega MonoPure DHA EC, Hemp MonoPure, Kori Krill Oil Omega-3, Fish Oil Mini, Omega MonoPure 1300 EC, OmegaXL, Omegapure PRM, Superior Omega3, Ovega-3, Nutravege, Fisol Fish Oil, Super Fisol Fish Oil
Dosage forms: oral capsule (-; 1000 mg; 1050 mg; 1200 mg; 1300 mg; 150 mg; 200 mg; 500 mg; 800 mg; ethyl esters 1000 mg; with Vitamin B Complex; with Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin D), ... show all 4 dosage forms oral delayed release capsule (-; 1100 mg), oral liquid (-; 1000 mg/5 mL; 1220 mg/5 mL; 1400 mg/5 mL; 1600 mg/5 mL), oral tablet, chewable (-; 425 mg; 50 mg)
Drug class: Nutraceutical products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 12, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?

Certain prescription omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are used in adults, together with diet, to help lower very high triglyceride levels in the blood.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may also be used alone or 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.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pressure, racing or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, feeling short of breath.

Common side effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may include:

• burping;

• changes in your sense of taste; or

• upset stomach.

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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

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.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids 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 or use other medications.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• diabetes;

• anemia (low red blood cells);

• if you use a blood thinner;

• a heart rhythm disorder;

• a pancreas disorder;

• scheduled medical procedure or surgery;

• 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 omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to a child without medical advice.

How should I take omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

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 omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and blood tests.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Follow all storage instructions provided with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about how to store omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertriglyceridemia:

1 gram prescription only products:
4 grams orally daily; may be given as a single dose or 2 divided doses.

Comments:
-Assess triglyceride levels carefully before starting therapy and identify other possible causes (e.g. diabetes, hypothyroidism, medications) and manage appropriately.
-Patients should be on a lipid lowering diet prior to using this medication, and continue the diet during use of this medication.
-Capsules should be swallowed whole; do not break, crush, chew or dissolve capsules.
-In clinical trials, the medication was administered with meals.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids 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.

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:

• blood thinners and medicine used to prevent blood clots.

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.

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Further information

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.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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