What is Vascepa Used For? Understanding Icosapent Ethyl

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the landmark REDUCE-IT trial, Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) reduced the risk of cardiovascular events by 25% in high-risk patients already taking statins. What is Vascepa used for, and who can benefit from this prescription omega-3 medication? This article explains its uses and how it differs from over-the-counter supplements.

Quick Summary

Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is a prescription omega-3 fatty acid used alongside statin therapy to reduce cardiovascular events in high-risk adults and with a healthy diet to lower severe triglycerides.

Key Points

Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: Vascepa is FDA-approved to reduce major cardiovascular events in high-risk patients on statins with elevated triglycerides ($$\ge 150 \text{ mg/dL}$$) and either established CVD or diabetes plus other risk factors.
Severe Triglyceride Treatment: It is also used with a low-fat diet to lower very high triglyceride levels ($$\ge 500 \text{ mg/dL}$$).
Purified EPA Formula: Unlike most fish oil supplements, Vascepa contains only high-purity icosapent ethyl (EPA), excluding DHA, which helps avoid raising 'bad' LDL-C.
Prescription-Only: Vascepa is a prescription medication, not a dietary supplement, ensuring strict FDA regulation for purity and efficacy.
Adjunctive Therapy: For cardiovascular risk reduction, it must be used in addition to a maximally tolerated statin regimen.
Safety Considerations: Potential side effects include increased bleeding risk, especially with anticoagulants, and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation.
Administration: Capsules must be swallowed whole, not broken or chewed, to ensure proper administration.

Understanding Vascepa's Medical Indications

Vascepa, with the active ingredient icosapent ethyl, is a highly purified form of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It is derived from fish oil but is distinct from standard fish oil supplements, being a prescription medication with a standardized formulation for specific therapeutic uses. The FDA has approved Vascepa for two primary uses in adults.

Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

One main indication is to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in certain patients. This applies to adults with elevated triglycerides ($$\ge 150 \text{ mg/dL}$$) who are already on maximally tolerated statin therapy and have either established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus with at least two additional cardiovascular risk factors. Clinical studies have shown that adding Vascepa to statin treatment can decrease the likelihood of various cardiovascular outcomes.

Severe Hypertriglyceridemia

Vascepa is also prescribed alongside diet for adults with very high triglyceride levels ($$\ge 500 \text{ mg/dL}$$). While its effect on pancreatitis risk in this group is not confirmed, it is effective in lowering these high levels.

The Mechanism of Action

The precise way icosapent ethyl reduces cardiovascular events is not fully understood. However, it is known to lower triglycerides by decreasing the liver's production of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides and enhancing their removal from the bloodstream. Unlike some other omega-3s containing DHA, Vascepa contains only EPA, which helps prevent potential increases in LDL ('bad') cholesterol.

Vascepa vs. Other Omega-3 Products

Vascepa should not be considered interchangeable with over-the-counter (OTC) fish oil supplements. As an FDA-regulated prescription medication, Vascepa has specific requirements for purity, potency, and demonstrated effectiveness, which are not applied to less strictly regulated OTC supplements.

Comparison Table: Vascepa vs. OTC Fish Oil


Feature	Vascepa (Icosapent Ethyl)	Over-the-Counter Fish Oil
Regulatory Status	FDA-approved prescription drug	Dietary supplement; not FDA-regulated for specific conditions
Active Ingredients	Pure ethyl ester of EPA only	Varies; typically a mix of EPA and DHA
Purity and Potency	High-purity, standardized dose	Purity and potency can vary widely among brands
Clinical Evidence	Proven to reduce cardiovascular events in controlled trials (REDUCE-IT)	Evidence for cardiovascular risk reduction is controversial and less conclusive
Triglyceride Effect	Lowers triglycerides without raising LDL-C	Can sometimes slightly increase LDL-C levels
Cost	Generally more expensive; covered by most insurance	Less expensive; rarely covered by insurance

Potential Side Effects and Drug Interactions

Potential Side Effects

Vascepa is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects. Common adverse effects include musculoskeletal pain, peripheral edema (swelling), constipation, and gout.

Serious Risks

There is an increased risk of bleeding, especially when used with blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, warfarin, or clopidogrel. An increased risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter has also been observed.

Drug Interactions

Vascepa can interact with other medications. Certain diuretics and beta-blockers, for instance, can increase triglyceride levels, potentially lessening Vascepa's effectiveness. It is vital to inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking.

Conclusion: The Distinct Role of Vascepa

Vascepa is a prescription medication specifically indicated for reducing cardiovascular risk in high-risk patients on statins and for managing severe hypertriglyceridemia. Its formulation of high-purity EPA and supporting clinical trial data differentiate it from typical OTC fish oil products. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to determine if Vascepa is appropriate for you and to discuss potential drug interactions and effects.

Visit Amarin's Website for more official information on Vascepa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vascepa is an FDA-approved, high-purity prescription medication containing only the omega-3 fatty acid EPA. In contrast, over-the-counter fish oils are dietary supplements that vary in composition, often containing both EPA and DHA, and are not regulated for specific medical conditions.

No, Vascepa is not a statin. It is an omega-3 fatty acid that works differently than statin medications. For reducing cardiovascular risk, Vascepa is often prescribed in addition to statin therapy.

For lowering triglyceride levels, significant improvement can be seen after about 12 weeks. For cardiovascular risk reduction, the full benefit may take longer, with clinical trial data showing results over several years of use.

Common side effects include musculoskeletal pain (e.g., muscle and joint pain), swelling of the hands or feet (peripheral edema), constipation, and gout.

Vascepa is associated with an increased risk of bleeding, especially when taken with other medications that affect blood clotting, such as anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Patients on these medications should be monitored closely.

Vascepa itself is not known to cause weight loss. Any weight reduction in patients is likely related to the recommended diet and exercise regimen that accompanies the medication for high triglycerides.

Vascepa is derived from fish oil, and it is not known if patients with fish or shellfish allergies are at an increased risk of an allergic reaction. Patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of Vascepa's components should not take it and should inform their doctor of any allergies.