{"id":3601,"date":"2019-01-14T22:24:58","date_gmt":"2019-01-15T03:24:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3601"},"modified":"2023-05-16T16:52:05","modified_gmt":"2023-05-16T20:52:05","slug":"vascepa-vs-lovaza","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/vascepa-vs-lovaza\/","title":{"rendered":"Vascepa vs. Lovaza: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drug overview & main differences<\/a> | Conditions treated<\/a> | Efficacy<\/a> | Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Drug interactions<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | FAQ<\/a><\/p>\n

If you have high triglycerides<\/a>, your doctor may have told you to try diet and exercise, and maybe a statin like Lipitor. You may have also heard of omega-3 fatty acids, or fish oil supplements.<\/p>\n

Vascepa<\/a> and Lovaza<\/a> are two prescription brand-name omega-3 fatty acid medications that treat high triglyceride levels. Both medicines are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Amarin Pharma, Inc. makes Vascepa, and GlaxoSmithKline makes the brand-name form of Lovaza. These medications work in a number of ways to reduce triglycerides. Although both medications are omega-3 supplements, they are not precisely the same. Continue reading to learn more about Vascepa and Lovaza.<\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Vascepa and Lovaza?<\/h2>\n

Vascepa and Lovaza are classified as prescription omega-3 fatty acid lipid-lowering drugs. Vascepa is currently available in brand name, while Lovaza is available in both brand and generic (omega-3-acid ethyl esters). Both drugs are approved for use in adults and have not been studied in children.<\/p>\n

Vascepa contains the ingredient icosapent ethyl, or ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Vascepa lowers triglycerides and can help prevent cardiovascular problems in certain high-risk patients.<\/p>\n

Lovaza contains omega-3-acid ethyl esters, mostly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Lovaza lowers triglycerides but may increase LDL cholesterol. Therefore, its effect on cardiovascular disease is unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences between Vascepa and Lovaza<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nVascepa<\/strong><\/td>\nLovaza<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/strong><\/td>\nOmega-3 fatty acid lipid-lowering agent<\/td>\nOmega-3 fatty acid lipid-lowering agent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/strong><\/td>\nBrand<\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/strong><\/td>\nIcosapent ethyl or ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)<\/td>\nOmega-3-acid ethyl esters: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/strong><\/td>\nCapsules<\/td>\nCapsules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/strong><\/td>\n4 grams per day in divided doses (taken with food): 2, 1 gram capsules twice daily or 4, 0.5 gram capsules twice daily
\nSwallow capsule whole. Do not open, chew, dissolve, or crush.<\/td>\n		4 grams per day: 4, 1 gram capsules once daily or 2, 1 gram capsules twice daily
\nSwallow capsule whole. Do not open, chew, dissolve, or crush.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/strong><\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/strong><\/td>\nAdults<\/td>\nAdults<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Want the best price on Vascepa?<\/h3>\n

Sign up for Vascepa price alerts and find out when the price changes!<\/p>\n

Get price alerts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Conditions treated by Vascepa and Lovaza<\/h2>\n

Both Vascepa and Lovaza are indicated for use as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglycerides in adults with severely high triglycerides (\u2265 500 mg\/dL).<\/p>\n

Vascepa can also be used along with maximal doses of statin therapy<\/a> to lower the risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, coronary revascularization, unstable angina) in adults with triglycerides \u2265 150 mg\/dL who also have cardiovascular disease, or who have diabetes mellitus and two or more other cardiovascular risk factors (for heart disease).<\/p>\n

The effect of Vascepa and Lovaza on pancreatitis risk in patients with severely high triglycerides has not been determined.<\/p>\n

Also, the effect of Lovaza on cardiovascular disease and death is not known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/strong><\/td>\nVascepa <\/strong><\/td>\nLovaza <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Used along with a high-dose statin to reduce cardiovascular complications in adults with triglycerides \u2265 150 mg\/dL<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Used along with diet to lower triglyceride levels in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia (\u2265500 mg\/dL)<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Vascepa or Lovaza more effective?<\/h2>\n

In a study<\/a> comparing prescription omega-3 fatty acids, the authors concluded that these medications can significantly lower triglycerides to a comparable extent and are generally well-tolerated. Medications like Lovaza, which contain DHA, can increase LDL cholesterol, which can be troublesome for patients who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Vascepa only contains EPA and does not affect LDL levels.<\/p>\n

Your healthcare provider can determine the most effective medication for you. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. He or she can decide if Vascepa or Lovaza is appropriate for you when considering your medical conditions and history and any medications you take that may interact with Vascepa or Lovaza.<\/p>\n

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Want the best price on Lovaza?<\/h3>\n

Sign up for Lovaza price alerts and find out when the price changes!<\/p>\n

Get price alerts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Vascepa vs. Lovaza<\/h2>\n

Insurance plans and Medicare prescription plans typically cover Vascepa and Lovaza. If you take Lovaza, choosing the generic form can save significant money, depending on your plan.<\/p>\n

The out-of-pocket price of a one-month supply of Vascepa is about $390, but you can use a free SingleCare card<\/a> to lower the price to about approximately $332.<\/p>\n

A one-month supply of generic Lovaza is about $100 if you pay out-of-pocket. A free SingleCare coupon<\/a> can lower the price to less than $30.<\/p>\n

Contact your insurance plan for up-to-date coverage information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nVascepa <\/strong><\/td>\nLovaza <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/strong><\/td>\n120, 1 gram capsules<\/td>\n120, 1 gram capsules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/strong><\/td>\n$1-$3<\/td>\n$1-$30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/strong><\/td>\n$332+<\/td>\n$30+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of Vascepa vs. Lovaza<\/h2>\n

The most common side effects of Vascepa are muscle pain, peripheral edema (swelling of the arms or legs), constipation, gout, and atrial fibrillation. Other side effects may include diarrhea or abdominal pain.<\/p>\n

The most common side effects of Lovaza are belching, indigestion, and altered taste. Other side effects may occur, such as constipation, vomiting, and rash.<\/p>\n

This is not a complete list of side effects. Other side effects may occur. Consult your healthcare professional for a full list of adverse effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nVascepa<\/strong><\/td>\nLovaza<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effect<\/strong><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/strong><\/td>\nFrequency<\/strong><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/strong><\/td>\nFrequency<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Muscle pain<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n\u22653%<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Peripheral edema<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n\u22653%<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Constipation<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n\u22653%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n% not reported<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gout<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n\u22653%<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Atrial fibrillation<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n\u22653%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n% not reported<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Belching<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n4%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Indigestion<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n3%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Altered taste<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n4%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source: DailyMed (Vascepa<\/a>), DailyMed (Lovaza<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Drug interactions of Vascepa vs. Lovaza<\/h2>\n

As described in the prescribing information for Vascepa and Lovaza, some clinical studies with omega-3 fatty acids like Vascepa and Lovaza have shown longer bleeding time in patients, but the time was not more than normal limits, and the episodes were not clinically significant. If Vascepa or Lovaza is taken together with an anticoagulant (blood thinner) or antiplatelet medication, monitor the patient for bleeds. Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and dietary supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Drug<\/strong><\/td>\nDrug class<\/strong><\/td>\nVascepa <\/strong><\/td>\nLovaza <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arixtra
\n(fondaparinux)
\nCoumadin
\n(warfarin)
\nEliquis
\nHeparin
\nLovenox
\n(enoxaparin)
\nPradaxa
\nSavaysa
\nXarelto<\/td>\n		Anticoagulants<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aspirin
\nBrilinta
\nDipyridamole
\nEffient
\n(prasugrel)
\nPlavix
\n(clopidogrel)<\/td>\n		Antiplatelet agents<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Warnings of Vascepa and Lovaza<\/h2>\n