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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Omega-3 fatty acid compounds

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Omega-3 fatty acid compounds

  • Take with or just after food.
  • There is insufficient information regarding the safety of this medicine in children, therefore it should not be taken by under 18 year olds.
  • There is no information available on the safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

About omega-3 fatty acid compounds

Type of medicineLipid-regulating drug
Used forRaised triglyceride levels in the blood
Reducing risk of heart attacks and improving survival following heart attacks
Also calledOmacor® (contains omega-3-acid ethyl esters)
Maxepa® (contains omega-3-marine triglycerides)
Available asCapsules and liquid

The omega-3 fatty acid compounds (omega-3-acid ethyl esters and omega-3-marine triglycerides) are essential fatty acids. This means that they need to be obtained from the diet because the body cannot produce them. The main source of these fatty acids is from fish oils.

Omega-3 fatty acids work by reducing the production of saturated fats called triglycerides in the body. They also decrease the production of a substance called thromboxane which is one of the chemicals that causes platelets to clump together and start the process of blood-clotting.

Before taking omega-3 fatty acid compounds

Before taking omega-3 fatty acid compounds make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you take warfarin tablets.
  • If you have any bleeding problems.
  • If you have recently had surgery.
  • If you have liver problems.
  • If you have asthma.
  • If you have diabetes.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take omega-3 fatty acid compounds

  • Take omega-3 fatty acid compounds with or immediately after eating food.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose. Do not
    take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Omega-3 fatty acid compounds are less effective if you are greatly overweight. It may be important for you to go on a weight reducing diet. However, check with your doctor before going on any diet.
  • Patients with liver diseases should have their liver function monitored regularly while taking this medicine. If this affects you, your doctor will advise you about this.
  • There is no information available on the safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding, therefore speak to your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.

Can omega-3 fatty acid compounds cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling sick, indigestionEat little and often. Stick to simple foods

How to store omega-3 fatty acid compounds

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Omacor®, Solvay Healthcare Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised May 2005, accessed December 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 1467DocRef: dils3903Last Reviewed: 9 Feb 2009Version: 24
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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