omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90 at a glance
Medicine class
Lipid-modifying omega-3 fatty acid preparation.
Usual role
Treatment of endogenous hypertriglyceridaemia alongside diet.
Administration
Swallow the soft capsules with water; taking them with food may reduce stomach-related effects.
Important safety issue
Atrial fibrillation is a recognised common adverse effect, particularly relevant in people with cardiovascular disease or risk factors.
What is omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90 used for?
The selected products are licensed for endogenous hypertriglyceridaemia when dietary measures alone are insufficient.
Type IV hypertriglyceridaemia as single-drug treatment alongside diet.
Type IIb or III hypertriglyceridaemia alongside a statin when triglyceride control remains inadequate.
They are not licensed for exogenous type I hyperchylomicronaemia.
How does omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90 work?
EPA and DHA reduce triglyceride production in the liver and increase fatty-acid oxidation, decreasing the formation of triglyceride-rich VLDL particles. LDL cholesterol can rise in some people, so the complete lipid profile—not triglycerides alone—may matter when assessing response.
omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90 preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1000 mg
How to take omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90
Follow the directions supplied by the prescriber and the leaflet for the dispensed product.
Swallow the soft capsules with a drink of water.
Taking them at mealtimes may reduce digestive side effects.
Do not substitute ordinary fish-oil supplements for the prescribed product without discussing this with a healthcare professional.
omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90 side effects
Common or expected effects
- Digestive symptoms such as abdominal discomfort or bloating, indigestion, reflux, belching, wind, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting.
- Atrial fibrillation—an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm.
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms suggesting atrial fibrillation, including palpitations, dizziness, weakness, breathlessness or unusual tiredness.
- A serious allergic reaction, particularly swelling or breathing difficulty.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding, which may appear as blood in the stools.
omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90 in pregnancy
Evidence for this medicinal preparation in pregnancy is inadequate. Product information advises that it should be used only when clearly necessary, following an individual prescriber assessment; seek advice if pregnant, planning pregnancy or already taking it.
omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90 while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether the medicine passes into human milk, and the selected product information advises against use while breastfeeding. Discuss alternatives and the importance of treatment with the prescriber.
omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90 interactions
The main documented interaction concern is an increased effect on bleeding time.
Warfarin and other oral anticoagulants
Additional coagulation monitoring may be needed when omega-3-acid ethyl esters are started or stopped, with anticoagulant adjustment if clinically required.
Common questions about omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90 used for?
It is used alongside dietary measures for certain forms of raised endogenous blood triglycerides when diet alone has not been sufficient.
Is omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90 the same as a fish-oil supplement?
No. It is a standardised medicinal preparation of purified EPA and DHA ethyl esters and should not be replaced with a dietary supplement without professional advice.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.