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A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Lovaza, an omega-3-acid ethyl esters medication, is a prescription drug designed to reduce triglyceride levels in adults with very high triglyceride levels. As a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids, it contains EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), derived from the oil of several fish species. Unlike over-the-counter omega-3 supplements, the FDA has approved Lovaza for its specific use in managing triglyceride levels, ensuring a standardized dose and purity that over-the-counter supplements may not provide.
Before you buy Lovaza, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and the price of the drug.
Lovaza is typically prescribed at a dosage of 4 grams per day, which can be taken as a single 4-gram dose or divided into two 2-gram doses. It should be taken with food to enhance absorption.
Patients are advised to swallow whole capsules without crushing, chewing, or dissolving them.
A healthcare provider should determine the duration of therapy and the exact dosage based on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment.
It is essential to continue taking Lovaza as prescribed even if you feel well, and regular blood tests may be necessary to check your triglyceride levels.
Each Lovaza uses the active ingredient omega-3-acid ethyl esters, a mixture of ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids primarily consisting of EPA and DHA.
Before taking Lovaza, inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies, especially to fish or shellfish, as this medication is derived from fish oil.
Discuss your medical history, particularly if you have diabetes, liver disease, a pancreatic disorder, or a thyroid condition.
While Lovaza can help lower triglycerides, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet, avoid alcohol, and exercise regularly as part of your treatment plan.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use Lovaza under the guidance of their healthcare provider.
Lovaza can interact with various medications, potentially affecting how they work or increasing the risk of severe side effects. Inform your healthcare provider of all medicines you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Specifically, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin or aspirin or other medications affecting blood clotting may interact with Lovaza, necessitating careful monitoring of blood clotting times.
Common side effects of Lovaza include indigestion, burping, and a fishy aftertaste. These side effects are generally mild and decrease over time. Less common but more severe side effects can occur, including easy bruising or bleeding, allergic reactions (such as rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing), and signs of infection (such as fever and persistent sore throat). If you experience severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
What is Lovaza used for?
Lovaza is a prescription medicine with a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet to lower high triglyceride levels in adults.
How does Lovaza work?
Lovaza is made of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils, such as salmon and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids are substances your body needs but cannot produce.
How is Lovaza administered?
Lovaza is taken by mouth once or twice per day with food.
What are the common side effects of Lovaza?
Some side effects include burping, upset stomach, and changes in your sense of taste.
Who should not take Lovaza?
Do not take Lovaza if you are allergic to Lovaza or its ingredients.
What should I tell my doctor before taking Lovaza?
Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you drink more than two glasses of alcohol daily, have diabetes, have a thyroid problem called hypothyroidism, have a liver problem, have a pancreas problem, are allergic to fish and shellfish, are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, and about all the medicines you take.
How should I take Lovaza?
Take Lovaza precisely as prescribed. Wait to change your dose or stop Lovaza after talking to your doctor.
Why is Lovaza only available with a prescription?
Lovaza is different from dietary supplements. Supplements like very high triglycerides are not FDA-approved to treat a specific disease. Lovaza is potent and goes through an FDA-approved 5-step process to create a highly purified omega-3 medication.
What is Lovaza's composition?
Each one-gram capsule contains 465 mg EPA and 375 mg DH, which are active fatty acids proven to lower very high triglycerides.
Who makes Lovaza, and where is it made?
Woodward Pharma Services makes Lovaza.