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Omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90

  • There is insufficient information regarding the safety and efficacy of this medicine in children therefore its use in under-18s should be avoided.
  • People with liver diseases should have their liver function monitored regularly while taking this medicine.
  • There is no information available on the safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

About omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90

Type of medicine Lipid-regulating drug
Used for Raised triglyceride levels in the blood
Reducing risk of heart attacks and improving survival following heart attacks
Also called Omacor
Available as Capsules

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters contain omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential fatty acids, which means they need to be obtained in the diet because the body cannot produce them. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the production of saturated fats, called triglycerides, in the liver. They also decrease the production of a substance called thromboxane, which is one of the chemicals that causes platelets to clump together and start off the process of blood-clotting.

Before taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90

Before taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90 make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you take warfarin tablets, or any other type of blood thinner.
  • If you have recently had surgery.
  • If you have liver problems.

How to take omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90

  • Take omega-3-acid ethyl esters with or immediately after food.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Omega-3-acid ethyl esters is less effective if you are greatly overweight. It may be very 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.
  • 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-acid ethyl esters 90 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 medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling sick, indigestion Eat little and often
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Dizziness Avoid carrying out tasks which require you to be alert, such as driving or operating machinery

How to store omega-3-acid ethyl esters 90

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach 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. Always take the container with you, if possible, 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.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1467		 DocRef:
dils3903		 Last Updated:
30 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
29 Oct 2008		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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