Don't Be Too Quick to Jump on the Vascepa (Icosapent Ethyl) Bandwagon

You'll hear cautious optimism about cardiovascular benefits with the Rx omega-3 fatty acid, Vascepa (icosapent ethyl)...and see a flood of ads.

Vascepa is a form of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Other Rx omega-3s (Lovaza) or fish oil supplements have EPA and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

New evidence suggests Vascepa 2 g BID may prevent a CV event in about one in 21 high-CV-risk patients over 5 years compared to placebo. This is in patients with elevated triglycerides of about 215 mg/dL despite statins...and CV disease OR diabetes plus other CV risks (high BP, etc).