What is it used for?
- Lowering raised levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridaemia) when changes to diet have not produced an adequate response.
- To help reduce the risk of further heart attacks and improve general survival following a heart attack (in combination with other medicines that are used following a heart attack).
How does it work?
Omacor capsules contain omega-3-acid ethyl esters, comprising of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These are more commonly known as omega-3 fatty acids and are also found in oily fish.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, which means they need to be obtained in the diet because the body cannot produce them. They have been shown to have various protective effects on the heart and blood circulation.
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the production of 'bad fats', called triglycerides, in the liver. High levels of triglycerides can cause heart disease and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Omega-3 fatty acids also decrease the production of a substance called thromboxane, which is one of the chemicals that causes platelets to clump together and start off the process of blood-clotting. Reducing its production may therefore reduce the likelihood of clots forming within the blood vessels, which is what can cause heart attacks.
This medicine has been shown to reduce the risk of further heart attacks and improve overall survival in people who have had a heart attack. It is used in combination with other medicines after a heart attack, such as aspirin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and cholesterol-lowering medicines (statins).
This medicine is also used to treat high blood triglyceride levels when changes to the diet have been insufficient to achieve this.
How do I take it?
- Omacor capsules should be swallowed whole with a drink of water. The capsules should be taken with or after a meal to help reduce any side effects on the gut, such as indigestion or feeling sick.
- The usual dose of Omacor after a heart attack is one capsule daily.
- For people with raised triglyceride levels in the blood the usual dose of Omacor is two capsules daily. This may be increased to four capsules daily if blood tests show that your triglyceride levels are still raised. Follow the instructions given by your doctor.
- If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, then leave out the forgotten dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
Use with caution in
- People with decreased liver function. People with liver problems should have their liver function monitored regularly while taking this medicine.
- People with decreased kidney function.
- People with diabetes that is not well controlled.
- People at high risk of bleeding, for example due to surgery, injury or disease.
- People taking medicines to prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants, eg warfarin).
Not to be used in
- People who are allergic to soya or peanuts (Omacor capsules contain soya lecithin).
- This medicine is not recommended for use in children, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group.
Very rare (affect less than 1 in 10,000 people)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Dryness of the nose.
- Hives (urticaria).
- Blood in the stools.
- Increased numbers of white blood cells in the blood.