Fish oil

Fish oil

What is fish oil?

Fish oil is used along with diet and exercise to lower blood triglyceride levels.

Fish oil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Take fish oil exactly as directed on the label or as directed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger quantities or for longer than recommended.

Swallow the fish oil capsule whole. Do not puncture or open the capsule.

Fish oil is just one part of a complete treatment program that also includes diet, exercise and weight control. Follow your diet, medications, and exercise routines very closely.

There may be other medications that can interact with fish oil. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin and herbal products. Do not start taking a new medication without telling your doctor.

Stop using fish oil and get medical help immediately if you think you have taken too much medicine or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely and you may not have any at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is particularly bothersome.

Before you take this medicine

Do not use fish oil if you are allergic to fish or soybeans.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using this medicine if you have:

• Diabetes;

• liver disease;

• a disease of the pancreas;

• hypothyroidism;

• if you drink more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fish oil will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while using fish oil. It is not known whether omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids pass into breast milk or whether this could harm a breastfed baby. If you are breastfeeding a baby, do not use fish oil without consulting your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years of age.

How should I take fish oil?

Use fish oil exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller quantities or for longer than recommended.

Swallow the fish oil capsule whole. Do not puncture or open the capsule. Fish oil works best when taken with food.

To make sure this medication is helping your condition, you may need to have frequent blood tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

Fish oil is just one part of a complete treatment program that also includes diet, exercise and weight control. Follow your diet, medications, and exercise routines very closely.

Store fish oil at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid?

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. If you don't follow the diet plan recommended by your doctor, fish oil will not be as effective in lowering your triglycerides.

Avoid alcohol. It can increase triglycerides and make your condition worse.

Fish oil side effects

Get medical help right away if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction to fish oil: hives; difficulty breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using fish oil and call your doctor immediately if you notice any of these serious side effects:

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• chest pain; or

• uneven heartbeat.

Less serious side effects of fish oil can include:

• back pain;

• unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth;

• upset stomach, belching; or

• mild rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs affect fish oil?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially:

• estrogens (birth control pills or hormone replacements);

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• a beta blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Dutoprol, Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), and others; or

• a diuretic (water tablet) such as chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL, Microzide), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn) and others.

This list is not exhaustive and other medications may interact with fish oil. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin and herbal products. Do not start taking a new medication without telling your doctor.