Ethyl icosapentate granular capsules 900 mg for arteriosclerosis obliterans and hyperlipidemia (Vascepa, Vazkepa)

General information on Japanese Ethyl icosapentate granular capsules 900 mg for arteriosclerosis obliterans and hyperlipidemia (Vascepa, Vazkepa)

Package details: 84 packet

Manufacturer: Nichi-iko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Japan

Active ingredient: ethyl icosapentate (chemical formula C22H34O2)

Medical effect: Ethyl icosapentate granular capsules are effective for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and ulcer, pain and coldness caused by arteriosclerosis obliterans.

Contraindications and precautions: do not use for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Do not use for patients with any form of bleeding, including following:

• hemophilia,
• capillary fragility,
• peptic ulcer,
• urinary tract bleeding,
• hemoptysis,
• vitreous hemorrhage etc.

This medicine should be taken immediately after meals as its absorption is reduced when taken on empty stomach.

To prevent the granular capsules from pouring out, hold the packet upward and open with care.

If an allergic reaction occurs, stop taking the medicine and consult with your doctor. If you’re taking any other medication, please consult with your doctor before use.

Dosage and administration

For ulcer, pain and coldness by arteriosclerosis obliterans: for adults, take 600 mg of the active ingredient at a time, 3 times a day, immediately after meals. The doctor in charge may adjust the dosage according to age or symptoms.

For hyperlipidemia: for adults, take 1 packet (900 mg of the active ingredient) at a time, 2 times a day, or 600 mg at a time, 3 times a day, immediately after meals. If the triglyceride level is abnormal, the doctor in charge may increase the dosage up to 1 packet (900 mg) at a time, 3 times a day, depending on patient's laboratory value.

Please note that this preparation contains 900 mg of the active ingredient in a packet.

Do not chew this medicine.

How effective are Ethyl icosapentate granular capsules 900 mg from Japan for arteriosclerosis obliterans and hyperlipidemia (Vascepa, Vazkepa)?

Ethyl icosapentate is made from the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid. It works by reducing production of triglycerides in the liver and to enhancing clearance of triglycerides from circulating very low-density lipoprotein particles. As the result, Ethyl icosapentate granular capsules reduce lipids in the blood, suppress the platelet aggregation, improve the blood flow and help to maintain the blood vessel elasticity.

Who should take Ethyl icosapentate granular capsules 900 mg from Japan?

Ethyl icosapentate granular capsules are effective for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and ulcer, pain and coldness caused by arteriosclerosis obliterans. Studies showed that adding this medicine to the diet help patients with severe hyperlipidemia with triglyceride level in blood from ≥500mg/dL to significantly dercease the triglycerides and to increase EPA concentrations in plasma and red blood cells (H. E. Bays, C. M. Ballantyne et al. “Icosapent ethyl: Eicosapentaenoic acid concentration and triglyceride-lowering effects across clinical studies”. Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators, 2016, 125: 57-64).