From the Guidelines
No, omega-3 and Vascepa are not the same. Omega-3 refers to a family of essential fatty acids found in various sources like fish oil, flaxseed, and walnuts, which includes EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) 1. Vascepa, on the other hand, is a prescription medication containing purified EPA only (icosapent ethyl) at a much higher concentration than typical over-the-counter omega-3 supplements.
Key Differences
- Vascepa is FDA-approved specifically to reduce triglyceride levels in adults with severely elevated triglycerides (≥500 mg/dL) and to reduce cardiovascular risk in certain patients with elevated triglycerides and established cardiovascular disease or diabetes 1.
- The standard dose of Vascepa is 4 grams daily (taken as two 1-gram capsules twice daily with food).
- Unlike general omega-3 supplements, Vascepa undergoes rigorous purification to remove other fatty acids and contaminants, resulting in a more potent and targeted therapeutic effect on lipid metabolism and inflammation pathways 1.
Clinical Implications
- Nonprescription fish oil products are not interchangeable with prescription omega-3 products, such as Vascepa, due to differences in FDA classification, efficacy, content, purity, and tolerability 1.
- Prescription omega-3 fatty acid preparations, including Vascepa, have demonstrated cardiovascular outcomes benefits and are recommended for ASCVD risk reduction in specific patient populations 1.
- However, prescription omega-3 fatty acid preparations may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), and clinicians should evaluate the potential net benefit of these therapies in patients at high risk of AF 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Omega-3 and Vascepa Comparison
- Omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are well-documented for their triglyceride-lowering benefits 2.
- Vascepa, a prescription formulation, is a high-purity EPA agent, whereas other omega-3 formulations may contain a mixture of EPA and DHA 2.
- The key difference between Vascepa and other omega-3 formulations is that Vascepa contains only EPA, which does not increase low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, unlike formulations containing both EPA and DHA 2, 3.
Mechanism of Action
- Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, work by reducing triglyceride levels in the blood, with EPA-only formulations like Vascepa showing promise in not increasing LDL-C levels 2, 4, 3.
- Vascepa has been shown to improve glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and impaired β-cell function in mice fed a high-fat diet, suggesting potential benefits beyond triglyceride lowering 5.
Clinical Applications
- Vascepa is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating very high triglycerides and is widely used for hypertriglyceridemia 3.
- The American Heart Association recommends omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, for reducing triglycerides in patients with elevated triglycerides 3.
- Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Vascepa in reducing triglyceride levels and improving cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients 2, 3.