Omacor belongs to a group of so called reducers of cholesterol and triglycerides. Omacor is used: • together with other medicines for treatment after a heart attack. • to treat certain forms of increased triglycerides (fats) in the blood after changes to the diet have not worked.

Why have I been prescribed Omacor?

Omacor belongs to a group of so called reducers of cholesterol and triglycerides. Omacor is used:

  • together with other medicines for treatment after a heart attack.
  • to treat certain forms of increased triglycerides (fats) in the blood after changes to the diet have not worked.

How does it work?

  • Omacor contains highly purified omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
  • It reduces fat in the blood by reducing the amount of a bad type of cholesterol in the blood called VLDL.

When and how do I take it?

  • Swallow the capsules with a drink of water.
  • You may take the capsules at meal times to help reduce gastro-intestinal side effects.
  • Your doctor will decide how long you should take this medicine.

What’s the dose?

Dose after a heart attack:

  • The usual dose is one capsule a day.

Dose to treat high blood triglyceride levels (high levels of fat in the blood or hypertriglyceridaemia):

  • The usual dose is 2 capsules a day, as recommended by a doctor.

Could it interact with other tablets?

If you are using a medicine to stop blood clotting in your arteries, such as warfarin, you may need extra blood tests and your usual dose of your blood thinning medicine may have to be changed. Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using or have recently used other medicines including medicines obtained without prescription.

Herbal products should also only be taken after talking with your doctor.

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Like all medicines, Omacor can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following are side effects that may happen with this medicine:

Common side effects (occur in 1 to 10 users in 100):

  • stomach problems and indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • feeling sick (nausea)

Uncommon side effects (occur in 1 to 10 users in 1,000):

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

There are no known interactions between Omacor and alcohol.

Always ask you doctor or pharmacist however as other medications you are taking may have a bearing on this.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

You should not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, unless your doctor decides it is absolutely necessary.


If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note:
We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

http://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Omacor.aspx

http://www.drugs.com/omacor.html

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/10312


 

Health Reference: Cholesterol Management

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