High triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood, can be a risk factor for heart disease. Managing triglyceride levels is important for maintaining heart health. One medication treatment option for high triglycerides is called Lovaza, a prescription omega-3 fatty acid. In this blog post, we will explore what Lovaza is, how it works, its benefits, and considerations for use.
Understanding High Triglycerides:
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. While triglycerides are essential for energy, having high levels can contribute to the hardening of arteries or thickening of arterial walls, increasing the risk of heart disease.
See our blog – Understanding Cholesterol
What is Lovaza?
Lovaza is a prescription medication that contains a highly purified form of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is used to lower very high triglyceride levels, which are levels greater than 500 mg/dL in adults. Lovaza may be prescribed when diet and lifestyle changes are not sufficient in controlling triglyceride levels.
How Lovaza Works:
The exact way by which Lovaza lowers triglyceride levels is not fully understood, but it is believed to work through multiple mechanisms, which include:
- Decreased Triglyceride Creation: Lovaza may reduce the creation of triglycerides in the liver.
- Increased Triglyceride Clearance: Lovaza may increase the clearance of triglycerides from the blood.
Benefits Of Lovaza:
- Triglyceride Reduction: Clinical studies have shown that Lovaza can significantly reduce triglyceride levels in patients with very high triglycerides, helping to lower the risk of pancreatitis and heart disease.
- Improved Cholesterol: Lovaza may also have beneficial effects on other cholesterol parameters, such as increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as the “good” cholesterol.
- Well-Tolerated: Lovaza is generally well-tolerated by most patients.
Considerations For Lovaza:
To achieve the best results with Lovaza, it is important to take it as recommended:
- Dosage: The typical dosage of Lovaza is 4 grams per day, which can be taken as a single dose or divided into two doses of 2 grams each. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage based on your individual needs and response to treatment.
- Consistency: For optimal effectiveness, it is important to take Lovaza consistently as prescribed. Do not skip doses or alter the dosing schedule without consulting your healthcare provider.
- Diet and Lifestyle: While taking Lovaza, it is important to continue following a healthy diet and exercise regularly help manage triglyceride levels.
- Potential Side Effects While Lovaza is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Common side may effects include:
a. Gastrointestinal Issues such as burping or upset stomach.
b. Taste Changes: Some patients may experience a fishy aftertaste. - Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your triglyceride levels to determine effectiveness of the medication.
Conclusion:
Lovaza is one possible treatment option for managing high triglyceride levels. Managing triglyceride levels may have important benefits in reducing the risk of pancreatitis and cardiovascular disease. By lowering triglyceride levels, Lovaza can help patients achieve better health. As with any medication, it is important to use Lovaza as prescribed and work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible overall health outcomes.
Resources:
1) LOVAZA (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) capsules [package insert]. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 2013.
2) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/triglycerides/art-20048186#:~:text=Triglycerides%20are%20a%20type%20of,triglycerides%20for%20energy%20between%20meals.
3) https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-triglycerides
