Prescription omega-3 fatty acids
Purified fish-oil fatty acids (EPA, with or without DHA) that lower triglycerides; one, icosapent ethyl, also lowers cardiovascular events.
What they are
Prescription-strength ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids. Icosapent ethyl contains only EPA; other products mix EPA and DHA. Over-the-counter fish oil supplements are not the same products.
Mechanism of action
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the liver's production of triglyceride-rich VLDL and speed triglyceride clearance from the blood. The exact molecular target is not fully defined.
Target: Hepatic triglyceride and VLDL production (no single receptor)
Drugs in this class
Others in the class
- omega-3-acid ethyl esters (EPA + DHA)
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
What is the main lipid effect of prescription omega-3 fatty acids?
They lower triglycerides by reducing VLDL production in the liver.
Which two warnings appear for icosapent ethyl?
Atrial fibrillation or flutter, and increased bleeding.
How does icosapent ethyl differ from most other omega-3 products?
It contains only EPA, without DHA.
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Icosapent Ethyl: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); DailyMed - ICOSAPENT ETHYL capsule (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.