Dramatically Lowers Very High Trig] yceride Levels (NAPSA)—Many Americans regularly consume omega-3 fatty acids in the form offish or dietary supplements. Now, for the first time, doctors can prescribe a US Food and Drug Administration f 6; Said Dr. Ballantyne, “As the only FDA-approved prescription omega-3 drug, Omacor ensures that patients with very high (FDA)-approved omega-3 fatty triglyceride levels will receive a acid medication—known as Oma- pure, consistent dose of omega-3 fatty acids under appropriate cor (omega-3-acid ethyl esters)— medical supervision.” for adults with very high levels of triglycerides, a serious medical condition that affects up to 6 million Americans. Triglycerides and various types of cholesterol are found in the blood, and abnormal levels of these fatty substances can affect heart health. According to a recent survey conducted by KRC Research Inc., nearly half of Americans are not aware of how triglycerides affect health, and nearly 70 percent have never spoken to their doctor about their triglyceride levels. The most common causes of high triglyceride levels are obesity and lack of exercise. Other causes may include smoking, excess alco- hol intake and diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Less commonly, genetic factors may be involved. Diet and exercise are thefirst line of defense against high tri- glyceride levels, but people with very high levels often need med- ications. In clinical studies involving patients with very high triglyceride levels, Omacor dra- matically reduced triglyceride levels and was very well tolerated. The most common side effects were burping, infection, flu-like For more information, go to www.omacorrx.com. can pose a serious health threat to patients,“ said Christie Ballantyne, M.D., Director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Methodist DeBakey Heart Center, Houston, Texas. “With Omacor, we can effectively lower very high triglyceride levels with the conve- nience of once-daily dosing and the confidence of a potent, proven omega-3 medication.” Omacorgel capsules contain 90 percent omega-3-acids—available only by prescription. As a result, four capsules per day deliver an effective dose for adult patients. In addition, the FDA-regulated and approved manufacturing process ensures a consistent, therapeutic concentration of omega-3 fatty acids while helping to eliminate concerns about mercury and other environmentaltoxins. Dietary supplements such as fish oil capsules typically contain less than 50 percent omega-3 fatty acids, which means up to 20 capsules may be required to deliver a symptoms, upset stomach, back dose equivalent to Omacor. Furthermore, supplements are not “Very high triglyceride levels scription drugs by the FDA, so they are not approved for the pain, rash and changes in taste sensation. treatment of specific diseases or medical conditions. evaluated or regulated as pre- More Information About Omacor Omacor is indicated as an adjunctto diet to reduce very high (2500 mg/dL) triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients. Treatment to reduce very high TG levels may result in elevations in non-HDL-C in some individu- als. LDL-C levels should be monitored during Omacor therapy. Every attempt should be made to control serum TG levels with appropriate diet, exercise, weight loss in overweight patients and control of any medical problems that may be contributing to the patient’s TG abnormalities. Labo- ratory studies should be per- formed to ascertain that the patient’s TG levels are consistently abnormal before instituting Omacor and to measure the patient’s TG levels during Omacor therapy. Omacor therapy should be withdrawnif there is not an adequate response after 2 months of treatment. Omacor should be used with caution in patients with known sensitivity or allergy to fish. Patients receiving Omacor and anticoagulants should be monitored. See full prescribing information at www.omacorrx.com.
