User:Mr. Ibrahem/Omega-3 acid ethyl esters

Omega-3 acid ethyl esters are the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oil. Together with dietary changes, they are used to treat high blood triglycerides which may reduce the risk of pancreatitis. They are generally less preferred than statins and use is not recommended by NHS Scotland as the evidence does not support a decreased risk of heart disease. Omega-3 acid ethyl esters are taken by mouth.

Common side effects include burping, nausea, and an upset abdomen. Serious side effects may include liver problems and anaphylaxis. While use in pregnancy has not been well studied, some omega-3 fatty acids appear beneficial. How it works is not entirely clear.

Omega-3 acid ethyl ester medicines were approved for medical use in the European Union in 2000, and in the United States in 2004. It is available as a generic medication and over the counter. A one-month supply in the United Kingdom costs the NHS about £6 as of 2019. In the United States the wholesale cost of this amount is about 7.50 USD. In 2017, it was the 158th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than three million prescriptions.