What is the purpose of Lovaza?: A Comprehensive Guide to its Uses and Function

October 11, 2025 •

2 min read

According to its FDA-approved indications, Lovaza is a prescription medication used to treat adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia, defined as triglyceride levels greater than or equal to 500 mg/dL. So, what is the purpose of Lovaza? It is prescribed as an adjunct to diet to help reduce these very high levels of fat in the blood.

Quick Summary

Lovaza is a potent, FDA-approved prescription medication containing omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, indicated for adults with very high triglycerides (≥500 mg/dL). It works by inhibiting triglyceride synthesis in the liver and promoting their breakdown. Lovaza is not the same as over-the-counter fish oil supplements and requires a doctor's prescription and monitoring.

Key Points

Targeting Severe Hypertriglyceridemia: Lovaza is specifically prescribed for adults with fasting triglyceride levels of 500 mg/dL or higher.
High-Purity Omega-3 Formula: It contains a concentrated, FDA-regulated combination of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, unlike non-regulated OTC fish oil.
Multi-faceted Mechanism: The medication lowers triglycerides by inhibiting their synthesis in the liver and boosting their breakdown and clearance from the blood.
Adjunct to Lifestyle Changes: Lovaza is not a standalone treatment and must be used alongside a low-fat diet, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications.
Important Safety Considerations: Patients should be monitored for potential side effects, including elevated LDL-C, increased bleeding risk, and heart rhythm irregularities.
Not for Heart Attack Prevention: The medication is not proven to prevent heart attacks or strokes, so adherence to a comprehensive lipid management plan is necessary.

Understanding Severe Hypertriglyceridemia

High triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) in your blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of serious health problems. Severe hypertriglyceridemia, defined as a fasting triglyceride level of 500 mg/dL or higher, often requires medical intervention, including diet, exercise, and medication.

What is Lovaza and How Does it Work?

Lovaza is a prescription lipid-regulating medicine made from highly purified omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is manufactured under strict, FDA-regulated conditions.

The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it helps lower triglycerides by:

Inhibiting a key enzyme involved in triglyceride synthesis in the liver.
Decreasing fat production in the liver.
Increasing the breakdown of fatty acids in the liver.
Enhancing the enzyme activity that clears triglycerides from the bloodstream.
Reducing the liver's output of VLDL particles, which carry triglycerides.

Lovaza vs. Over-the-Counter Fish Oil Supplements

Prescription Lovaza and OTC fish oil supplements differ significantly.


Feature	Lovaza (Prescription)	OTC Fish Oil Supplements
Purity	Regulated by the FDA; purified to remove impurities.	Not inspected by the FDA; may contain contaminants.
Potency	Standardized, high dose of EPA and DHA.	Varies widely in amount and quality of EPA and DHA.
Indication	FDA-approved for severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥500 mg/dL).	Not approved to treat specific medical conditions.
Effectiveness	Clinically proven to lower very high triglyceride levels.	Efficacy for lowering triglycerides can be inconsistent.

Using Lovaza as Prescribed

Lovaza is typically taken as directed by a healthcare professional, often in capsule form. It is frequently recommended to be taken with meals. Lovaza is intended to be used in conjunction with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and other healthy lifestyle changes.

Potential Side Effects and Important Considerations

Lovaza can cause side effects. Common ones include burping, upset stomach, and change in taste.

More serious side effects can occur and require discussion with a doctor:

Increased LDL-Cholesterol levels.
Allergic reactions, especially for those with fish or shellfish allergies.
Increased bleeding risk, particularly for those on blood thinners.
Liver enzyme elevations requiring monitoring.
Possible increased risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter in those with existing heart rhythm issues.

Lovaza is not a cure and its effect on the risk of pancreatitis or long-term cardiovascular events is not established. Follow your doctor's guidance and combine medication with lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

The purpose of Lovaza is to serve as a prescription treatment for severe hypertriglyceridemia. It uses a concentrated combination of EPA and DHA to reduce triglyceride production and enhance their clearance. Unlike OTC supplements, Lovaza is FDA-regulated and requires a prescription and monitoring. Used alongside diet and lifestyle modifications, it helps manage dangerously high triglyceride levels.

For more detailed information, consult the FDA's prescribing information for Lovaza.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary medical purpose of Lovaza is to treat adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia, a condition defined by very high triglyceride levels of 500 mg/dL or greater.

No, Lovaza is not the same as over-the-counter fish oil. It is a prescription-strength, FDA-regulated medication with a standardized, high concentration of purified omega-3 fatty acids. OTC supplements are not regulated for purity or potency in the same way.

Lovaza works by reducing the liver's production of triglycerides, increasing the breakdown and metabolism of fatty acids, and enhancing the activity of enzymes that clear triglycerides from the blood.

Lovaza should be taken as prescribed by your healthcare professional. It is typically taken with meals and the capsules should be swallowed whole.

Common side effects include burping, upset stomach, and a change in taste. More serious side effects, though less common, can occur and should be discussed with a doctor.

No, Lovaza's effect on the risk of heart attacks or strokes has not been determined. It is indicated specifically for lowering very high triglycerides.

Before taking Lovaza, you should inform your doctor of any allergies, especially to fish or shellfish, as well as existing conditions like diabetes, liver disease, or heart rhythm problems. It's also important to mention any other medications, particularly blood thinners.

Lovaza is used as an adjunct to diet, meaning it is prescribed in combination with a low-fat diet, regular exercise, weight management, and reduced alcohol use to manage high triglyceride levels.