How do Omacor capsules work?
Omacor has been shown in clinical trials to be effective at lowering the levels of fatty substances in the blood called triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides can lead to clogging of the arteries and heart disease, and very high levels can cause problems in the pancreas.
People with high cholesterol levels sometimes have high triglyceride levels too, but people can have high triglyceride levels even though they have normal cholesterol levels.
Omacor capsules do not lower cholesterol levels, so for patients who have high cholesterol levels and high triglyceride levels too, Omacor can be taken at the same time as a cholesterol-lowering medicine (such as a “statin”).
Omacor capsules are often prescribed for people who have had a heart attack, but they can also be taken by people who have high levels of triglycerides in the blood if they have tried unsuccessfully to manage this by changing their diet.
Medicines to lower cholesterol and triglycerides are only one way to reduce the risk of heart disease, and even if you are taking them, you should take other dietary and lifestyle measures to help reduce your risk even further. Our main information page about cholesterol contains more advice about lifestyle changes that will help – click here to read it.
How to take Omacor capsules
Omacor capsules are available in one strength: 460mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EHA) and 380mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per capsule.
The dosage for adults, for the treatment of high triglyceride levels, is one capsule daily for patients who have had a heart attack, or two capsules daily in other cases. The doctor may increase this to a maximum of four capsules daily if necessary.
The capsules can be taken at any time of day, although you should try to take them at approximately the same time. Each capsule should be taken with a glass of water, and can be taken with or without food, but taking them with food helps to minimise the chance of stomach upsets.
Are Omacor capsules suitable for me?
In certain situations, Omacor capsules should be used with caution or may not be recommended at all. This will apply to people who are at a low risk of developing heart problems in the future or whose triglyceride levels are normal, people under 18 or over 70 years of age, women who are pregnant (or likely to become pregnant) or breastfeeding, people with liver problems, and people who are allergic to any of the active or inactive ingredients.
If you are currently taking any other medicines, the online doctor will need to know about them – whether they’re from your doctor or pharmacy-bought. Omacor capsules have been known to cause problems if taken with certain other medicines, including warfarin and other anticoagulants, so we’ll need this information from the outset.
Be sure to provide the doctor with a full picture of your general health in the consultation, so you can be assessed on your individual risk of heart problems in the future, and the safety of statin treatment for you.
What are the side effects of Omacor capsules?
Omacor capsules are no different to any other medicines in that they can cause side effects – although not everybody gets them. Side effects that are considered to be common include indigestion and stomach upsets, while less commonly reported side effects include dizziness, headaches, and skin rashes.
You can view the full list of potential side effects and all other important information relating to these capsules in the patient leaflet provided in the pack. It is very important to read the leaflet in full before starting to take Omacor capsules. The leaflets can also be viewed online here: Omacor capsules
Blood tests
You may be asked by the doctor to have a blood test before you’re prescribed Omacor capsules for the first time, to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and to check that your liver is healthy and functioning well.
