EICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID,DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID

Background and Date of Approval

Docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid are approved for medicinal use. They are indicated for nutritional deficiencies and as adjuvant therapy in deficit disorder, inflammation, skin disorders, arthritis, depression and anxiety.

Uses

It is used as an adjuvant to treat various health conditions such as attention deficit disorder, inflammation, skin disorder, arthritis, depression, and anxiety. Omega-3-Fatty acids help increase HDL (good cholesterol), decrease triglycerides, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing in burn victims. It is also used as a nutritional supplement.

How is it administered?

Take Eicosapentaenoic acid+Docsahexaenoic acid in a dose and duration prescribed by your physician. Avoid breaking or chewing the capsule. Instead, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are experienced while you are on the treatment with Docosahexaenoic acid + eicosapentaenoic acid dizziness, nausea or vomiting, abdominal distension, pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia (indigestion), flatulence, eructation (gas release), heartburn.

Warnings

Eicosapentaenoic acid+ Docosahexaenoic acid is used with caution if you have liver disease and require dose adjustment. Avoid consuming alcohol while on treatment with Eicosapentaenoic acid+ Docosahexaenoic acid as it may increase the risk of side effects and worsen the condition.

Precautions

If you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, ask for a doctor's advice before taking Eicosapentaenoic acid+Docsahexaenoic acid. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are recently taking, including supplements and herbal medicines.

Word of Advice

Notify your doctor if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or fish oils to avoid life-threatening complications. Inform your doctor before treatment begins if you have bleeding disorders, diabetes, hypotension (low blood pressure), aspirin sensitivity, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), recent surgery or trauma, or liver or kidney disease. Inform your physician if you are taking any antihypertensive medications or anticoagulants. Also inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. During treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor liver enzyme levels including ALT and AST.

References

BASF AS, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on July 2019] [ Accessed on 24th August 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/10312#gref Alniche Life Sciences Pvt Ltd; [Revised on June 2017] [ Accessed on 24th August 2022], https://www.alniche.com/product/nefromega/ Gerry Schwalfenberg; Omega-3 fatty acids Their beneficial role in cardiovascular health; Canadian Family Physician; Published on June 2006; Accessed on 24/08/2022; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16812965

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eicosapentaenoic acid+ Docosahexaenoic acid prescribed for?

Eicosapentaenoic acid+ Docosahexaenoic acid is prescribed to treat nutritional deficiencies and is used as an adjuvant in the treatment of attention deficit disorder, inflammation, skin disorder, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.

What are the side effects of Eicosapentaenoic acid+ Docosahexaenoic acid?

Nausea or vomiting, abdominal distension, pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia (indigestion), flatulence, eructation (gas release), and heartburn are the common side effects of Eicosapentaenoic acid+ Docosahexaenoic acid.

Can diabetic patients take Eicosapentaenoic acid+ Docosahexaenoic acid?

Eicosapentaenoic acid+ Docsahexaenoic acid may affect blood glucose levels. So, consult your doctor about the possible risks associated with the use of this medicine before taking it.

Can you drink alcohol while taking Eicosapentaenoic acid+ Docosahexaenoic acid?

Taking alcohol is unsafe with Eicosapentaenoic acid+ Docosahexaenoic acid as it may increase the risk of side effects and worsen the condition.

Can a pregnant woman take Eicosapentaenoic acid+Docosahexaenoic acid?

Eicosapentaenoic acid+ Docosahexaenoic acid is unsafe to use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects on the developing baby.

Is Eicosapentaenoic acid Docosahexaenoic acid safe for hypertensive patients?

Eicosapentaenoic acid+ Docosahexaenoic acid may lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients and lead to a severe decrease in blood pressure (hypotension), dizziness and fainting. So, it may be used with caution in patients taking antihypertensive medications.

Written By: Muskan Patel, M.Pharm

Reviewed By: Dr. Vishwa Patel, MBBS