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Vascepa
icosapent ethyl · Capsule
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryRegulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202057-001 | VASCEPA | CAPSULE | ICOSAPENT ETHYL | Prescription | AB | RLD RS | |
| 202057-002 | VASCEPA | CAPSULE | ICOSAPENT ETHYL | Prescription | AB | RLD |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Patents and exclusivity
Source: Orange Book| Patent | Expires | Product | Substance | Use code | Submitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9700537 | May 31, 2027 | 001 | No | U-2707 | January 10, 2020 |
| 9700537 | May 31, 2027 | 002 | No | U-2707 | January 10, 2020 |
| 9198892 | September 25, 2027 | 001 | No | U-2706 | January 10, 2020 |
| 9198892 | September 25, 2027 | 002 | No | U-2706 | January 10, 2020 |
| 8524698 | February 9, 2030 | 001 | No | U-1287 | September 11, 2013 |
| 8546372 | February 9, 2030 | 001 | No | U-1287 | October 1, 2013 |
| 8680144 | February 9, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2695 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8426399 | February 9, 2030 | 001 | No | U-1287 | — |
| 12171738 | February 9, 2030 | 001 | No | U-4105 | January 23, 2025 |
| 8415335 | February 9, 2030 | 001 | No | U-1287 | April 17, 2013 |
| 8518929 | February 9, 2030 | 001 | No | U-1287 | — |
| 8518929 | February 9, 2030 | 002 | No | U-1287 | June 26, 2017 |
| 8399446 | February 9, 2030 | 002 | No | U-1287 | June 26, 2017 |
| 8546372 | February 9, 2030 | 002 | No | U-1287 | June 26, 2017 |
| 8426399 | February 9, 2030 | 002 | No | U-1287 | June 26, 2017 |
| 8680144 | February 9, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2695 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8415335 | February 9, 2030 | 002 | No | U-1287 | June 26, 2017 |
| 8524698 | February 9, 2030 | 002 | No | U-1287 | June 26, 2017 |
| 12171738 | February 9, 2030 | 002 | No | U-4105 | January 23, 2025 |
| 8501225 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-1287 | — |
| 8617593 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-1478 | January 14, 2014 |
| 8617594 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-1287 | — |
| 8445003 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-1287 | — |
| 8454994 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2689 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8617593 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2691 | January 14, 2014 |
| 8618166 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2689 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8623406 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2692 | January 14, 2014 |
| 8642077 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2693 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8703185 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2691 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8691871 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2689 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8709475 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2689 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10010517 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2690 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10265287 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2700 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8563608 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-1287 | October 22, 2013 |
| 11154526 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-3240 | November 8, 2021 |
| 11717504 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-3669 | August 18, 2023 |
| 10792267 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2961 | October 16, 2020 |
| 10842766 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2997 | December 11, 2020 |
| 10881632 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-3052 | February 4, 2021 |
| 11103477 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-3209 | September 21, 2021 |
| 8623406 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-1478 | January 14, 2014 |
| 8445013 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-1287 | — |
| 11213504 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | U-3292 | February 3, 2022 |
| 8298554 | April 29, 2030 | 001 | No | — | |
| 8445013 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-1287 | June 26, 2017 |
| 8617594 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-1287 | June 26, 2017 |
| 8445003 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-1287 | June 26, 2017 |
| 8623406 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-1287 | June 26, 2017 |
| 8617593 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-1287 | June 26, 2017 |
| 8454994 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2689 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8617593 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2691 | June 26, 2017 |
| 8623406 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2692 | June 26, 2017 |
| 8642077 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2693 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8703185 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2691 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8709475 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2689 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8691871 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2689 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10010517 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2690 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10265287 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2700 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8501225 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-1287 | June 26, 2017 |
| 8563608 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-1287 | June 26, 2017 |
| 11154526 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-3240 | November 8, 2021 |
| 11717504 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-3669 | August 18, 2023 |
| 10792267 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2961 | October 16, 2020 |
| 10842766 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2997 | December 11, 2020 |
| 10881632 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-3052 | February 4, 2021 |
| 11103477 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-3209 | September 21, 2021 |
| 11213504 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | U-3292 | February 3, 2022 |
| 8298554 | April 29, 2030 | 002 | No | June 26, 2017 | |
| 8410086 | June 15, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2688 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8455472 | June 15, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2690 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8669245 | June 15, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2694 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8710041 | June 15, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2690 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10842768 | June 15, 2030 | 001 | No | U-2688 | December 11, 2020 |
| 8410086 | June 15, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2688 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8669245 | June 15, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2694 | January 6, 2020 |
| 8710041 | June 15, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2690 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10842768 | June 15, 2030 | 002 | No | U-2688 | December 11, 2020 |
| 9603826 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2696 | January 6, 2020 |
| 9610272 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2697 | January 6, 2020 |
| 9623001 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2698 | January 6, 2020 |
| 9693984 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2697 | January 6, 2020 |
| 9693985 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2696 | January 6, 2020 |
| 9693986 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2698 | January 6, 2020 |
| 9918954 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2699 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10278935 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2701 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10278937 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2703 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10278936 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2702 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10383840 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2704 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10555925 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2744 | February 26, 2020 |
| 10555924 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2743 | February 26, 2020 |
| 11369582 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2841 | July 28, 2022 |
| 11298333 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-3358 | May 11, 2022 |
| 10568861 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2756 | March 20, 2020 |
| 10668042 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2841 | June 26, 2020 |
| 10576054 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2762 | March 27, 2020 |
| 10792270 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2962 | October 16, 2020 |
| 10786478 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2959 | October 16, 2020 |
| 10786478 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-2960 | October 16, 2020 |
| 10894028 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-3053 | February 4, 2021 |
| 11000499 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-3126 | June 10, 2021 |
| 11116742 | June 28, 2033 | 001 | No | U-3221 | October 8, 2021 |
| 9603826 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2696 | January 6, 2020 |
| 9610272 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2697 | January 6, 2020 |
| 9693984 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2697 | January 6, 2020 |
| 9623001 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2698 | January 6, 2020 |
| 9693985 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2696 | January 6, 2020 |
| 9693986 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2698 | January 6, 2020 |
| 9918954 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2699 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10278935 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2701 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10278936 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2702 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10278937 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2703 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10383840 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2704 | January 6, 2020 |
| 10555924 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2743 | February 26, 2020 |
| 10555925 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2744 | February 26, 2020 |
| 11369582 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2841 | July 28, 2022 |
| 11298333 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-3358 | May 11, 2022 |
| 10568861 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2756 | March 20, 2020 |
| 10668042 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2841 | June 26, 2020 |
| 10576054 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2762 | March 27, 2020 |
| 10792270 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2962 | October 16, 2020 |
| 10786478 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2959 | October 16, 2020 |
| 10786478 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-2960 | October 16, 2020 |
| 10894028 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-3053 | February 4, 2021 |
| 11000499 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-3126 | June 10, 2021 |
| 11116742 | June 28, 2033 | 002 | No | U-3221 | October 8, 2021 |
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 58 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 16, 2026 | N/A |
| Supplement | 35 | Efficacy | Approved | December 13, 2019 | Priority |
| Supplement | 19 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 16, 2017 | Standard |
| Supplement | 15 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 28, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 16 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 25, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 14 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 2, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 13 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 4, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 12 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | June 23, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 11 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 16, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 10 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 14, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 7 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | July 28, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 8 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 26, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 6 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 13, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 9 | Labeling | Approved | November 25, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 4 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 19, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 3 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 12, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 2 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 20, 2013 | N/A |
| Supplement | 1 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 31, 2013 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 5 - New Formulation or New Manufacturer | Approved | July 26, 2012 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · August 17, 2026
- 0 · Supplement · August 17, 2026
- 0 · Supplement · December 17, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · December 16, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · February 17, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · June 24, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · February 14, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · February 14, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · November 27, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · November 26, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · March 26, 2013
- 0 · Original application · March 6, 2013
- 0 · Original application · March 6, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · February 4, 2013
- 0 · Original application · July 30, 2012
- 0 · Original application · July 30, 2012
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260407). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE VASCEPA ® (icosapent ethyl) is indicated: as an adjunct to maximally tolerated statin therapy to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in adult patients with elevated triglyceride (TG) levels (≥ 150 mg/dL) and established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus and 2 or more additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. as an adjunct to diet to reduce TG levels in adult patients with severe (≥ 500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. Limitations of Use: The effect of VASCEPA on the risk for pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined. VASCEPA is an ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) indicated: as an adjunct to maximally tolerated statin therapy to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in adult patients with elevated triglyceride (TG) levels(≥ 150 mg/dL) and established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus and 2 or more additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. ( 1 ) as an adjunct to diet to reduce TG levels in adult patients with severe (≥ 500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: The effect of VASCEPA on the risk for pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Assess lipid levels before initiating therapy. Identify other causes of high triglyceride levels and manage as appropriate. ( 2.1 ) Patients should engage in appropriate nutritional intake and physical activity before receiving VASCEPA, which should continue during treatment. ( 2.1 ) The daily dose of VASCEPA is 4 grams per day taken as either four 0.5 gram capsules twice daily with food or two 1 gram capsules twice daily with food. ( 2.2 ) Advise patients to swallow capsules whole. Do not break open, crush, dissolve, or chew VASCEPA. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Prior to Initiation of VASCEPA Assess lipid levels before initiating therapy. Identify other causes (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, or medications) of high triglyceride levels and manage as appropriate. Patients should engage in appropriate nutritional intake and physical activity before receiving VASCEPA, which should continue during treatment with VASCEPA. 2.2 Dosage and Administration The daily dose of VASCEPA is 4 grams per day taken as either: four 0.5 gram capsules twice daily with food; or as two 1 gram capsules twice daily with food. Advise patients to swallow VASCEPA capsules whole. Do not break open, crush, dissolve, or chew VASCEPA.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS VASCEPA capsules are supplied as: 0.5 gram amber-colored, oval, soft-gelatin capsules imprinted with V500 1 gram amber-colored, oblong, soft-gelatin capsules imprinted with VASCEPA 1 gram amber-colored, oblong, soft-gelatin capsules imprinted with IPE Capsules: 0.5 gram and 1 gram ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS VASCEPA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to VASCEPA or any of its components. VASCEPA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to VASCEPA or any of its components. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter: VASCEPA was associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter requiring hospitalization in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The incidence of atrial fibrillation was greater in patients with a previous history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. ( 5.1 ) Potential for Allergic Reactions in Patients with Fish Allergy: VASCEPA contains ethyl esters of the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), obtained from the oil of fish. It is not known whether patients with allergies to fish and/or shellfish are at increased risk of an allergic reaction to VASCEPA. Inform patients with known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish about the potential for allergic reactions and advise them to discontinue VASCEPA and seek medical attention if any reactions occur. ( 5.2 ) Bleeding: VASCEPA was associated with an increased risk of bleeding in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The incidence of bleeding was greater in patients receiving concomitant antithrombotic medications, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter VASCEPA is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter requiring hospitalization. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 8,179 statin-treated subjects with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) or diabetes plus an additional risk factor for CVD, adjudicated atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter requiring hospitalization for 24 or more hours occurred in 127 (3%) patients treated with VASCEPA compared to 84 (2%) patients receiving placebo [HR= 1.5 (95% CI 1.14, 1.98)]. The incidence of atrial fibrillation was greater in patients with a previous history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. 5.2 Potential for Allergic Reactions in Patients with Fish Allergy VASCEPA contains ethyl esters of the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), obtained from the oil of fish. It is not known whether patients with allergies to fish and/or shellfish are at increased risk of an allergic reaction to VASCEPA. Inform patients with known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish about the potential for allergic reactions to VASCEPA and advise them to discontinue VASCEPA and seek medical attention if any reactions occur. 5.3 Bleeding VASCEPA is associated with an increased risk of bleeding. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled cardiovascular outcomes trial of 8,179 patients, 482 (12%) patients receiving VASCEPA experienced a bleeding event compared to 404 (10%) patients receiving placebo. Serious bleeding events occurred in 111 (3%) of patients on VASCEPA vs. 85 (2%) of patients receiving placebo. The incidence of bleeding was greater in patients receiving concomitant antithrombotic medications, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial Flutter [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Potential for Allergic Reactions in Patients with Fish Allergy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Common adverse reactions in the cardiovascular outcomes trial (incidence ≥3% and ≥1% more frequent than placebo): musculoskeletal pain, peripheral edema, constipation, gout, and atrial fibrillation ( 6.1 ) Common adverse reactions in the hypertriglyceridemia trials (incidence ≥1% more frequent than placebo): arthralgia and oropharyngeal pain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amarin Pharma, Inc. at 1-855-VASCEPA (1-855-827-2372) or contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled cardiovascular outcomes trial, 8,179 statin-stabilized patients were randomized to receive VASCEPA or placebo and followed for a median of 4.9 years [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . The median age at baseline was 64 years, 29% were women, 90% White, 5% Asian, 2% were Black, and 4% identified as Hispanic ethnicity. Common adverse reactions (incidence ≥3% on VASCEPA and ≥1% more frequent than placebo) included musculoskeletal pain, peripheral edema, constipation, gout, and atrial fibrillation. Hypertriglyceridemia Trials In two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in patients with triglyceride levels between 200 and 2000 mg/dL treated for 12 weeks, adverse reactions reported with VASCEPA at an incidence ≥1% more frequent than placebo based on pooled data included arthralgia and oropharyngeal pain. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of VASCEPA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Diarrhea Blood triglycerides increased Abdominal discomfort Pain in the extremities
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Increased Bleeding Risk with Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents: Some published studies with omega-3 fatty acids have demonstrated prolongation of bleeding time. Monitor patients receiving VASCEPA and concomitant anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet agents for bleeding. ( 7 ) 7.1 Increased Bleeding Risk with Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents Some published studies with omega-3 fatty acids have demonstrated prolongation of bleeding time. The prolongation of bleeding time reported in those studies has not exceeded normal limits and did not produce clinically significant bleeding episodes. Monitor patients receiving VASCEPA and concomitant anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet agents for bleeding.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The available data from published case reports and the pharmacovigilance database on the use of VASCEPA in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies in pregnant rats, non-dose-related imbalances for some minor developmental findings were observed with oral administration of icosapent ethyl during organogenesis at exposures that were equivalent to the clinical exposure at the human dose of 4 g/day, based on body surface area comparisons. In a study in pregnant rabbits orally administered icosapent ethyl during organogenesis, there were no clinically relevant adverse developmental effects at exposures that were 5 times the clinical exposure, based on body surface area comparisons ( see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In pregnant rats given oral gavage doses of 0.3, 1 and 2 g/kg/day icosapent ethyl from gestation through organogenesis all drug treated groups had non-dose-related imbalances in visceral and skeletal findings, including 13 th reduced ribs, additional liver lobes, testes medially displaced and/or not descended, at human systemic exposures following a maximum oral dose of 4 g/day based on body surface comparisons. In a multigenerational developmental study in pregnant rats given doses of 0.3, 1, 3 g/kg/day icosapent ethyl by oral gavage from gestation day 7-17, icosapent ethyl did not affect viability in fetuses (F 1 or F 2 ). Non-dose-related imbalances in findings of absent optic nerves and unilateral testes atrophy at human exposures based on the maximum dose of 4 g/day and on body surface area comparisons. Additional variations consisting of early incisor eruption and increased percent cervical ribs were observed at the same exposures. Pups from high dose treated dams exhibited decreased copulation rates, delayed estrus, decreased implantations and decreased surviving fetuses (F2) suggesting potential multigenerational effects of icosapent ethyl at 7 times human systemic exposure following 4 g/day dose based on body surface area comparisons across species. In pregnant rabbits given oral gavage doses of 0.1, 0.3, and 1 g/kg/day icosapent ethyl from gestation through organogenesis, a decrease in body weight and food consumption was observed at the high dose of 1 g/kg/day (5 times the human exposure at the maximum dose of 4 g/day, based on body surface area comparisons). Slight increases in resorbed and dead fetuses were noted in the 1 g/kg/day group, but these were not significantly different from the control group. There were no differences between the icosapent ethyl groups and control group as to the number of corpora lutea , number of implantations, number of surviving fetuses, sex ratio, body weight of female fetuses or placental weight. There were no treatment-related malformations or skeletal anomalies. In pregnant rats given icosapent ethyl from gestation day 17 through lactation day 20 at 0.3, 1, 3 g/kg/day no adverse maternal or developmental effects were observed. However, complete litter loss (not dose-related) was noted in 2/23 litters at the low dose and 1/23 mid-dose dams by post-natal day 4 at human exposures at a maximum dose of 4 g/day, based on body surface area comparisons. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Published studies have detected omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, in human milk. Lactating women receiving oral omega-3 fatty acids for supplementation have resulted in higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in human milk. There are no data on the effects of …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Studies suggest that EPA reduces hepatic very low-density lipoprotein triglycerides (VLDL-TG) synthesis and/or secretion and enhances TG clearance from circulating VLDL particles. Potential mechanisms of action include increased β-oxidation; inhibition of acyl-CoA:1,2-diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT); decreased lipogenesis in the liver; and increased plasma lipoprotein lipase activity. The mechanisms of action contributing to reduction of cardiovascular events with VASCEPA (icosapent ethyl) are not completely understood but are likely multi-factorial. Increased EPA lipid composition from carotid plaque specimens and increased circulating EPA/arachidonic acid ratio have been observed following EPA treatment. EPA inhibits platelet aggregation under some ex vivo conditions. However, the direct clinical meaning of individual findings is not clear.
12.2 Pharmacodynamics In a 12-week, dose-ranging study in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia and in the event-driven REDUCE-IT ® trial, VASCEPA 4 grams per day reduced median TG from baseline relative to placebo [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )].
14.2 Severe Hypertriglyceridemia The effects of VASCEPA 4 grams per day were assessed in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study of adult patients (76 on VASCEPA, 75 on placebo) with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Patients whose baseline TG levels were between 500 and 2,000 mg/dL were enrolled in this study for 12 weeks. The median baseline TG and LDL-C levels in these patients were 684 mg/dL and 86 mg/dL, respectively. Median baseline HDL-C level was 27 mg/dL. The randomized population in this study was mostly Caucasian (88%) and male (76%). The mean age was 53 years and the mean body mass index was 31 kg/m 2 . Twenty-five percent of patients were on concomitant statin therapy, 28% were diabetics, and 39% of the patients had TG levels >750 mg/dL. The changes in the major lipoprotein lipid parameters for the groups receiving VASCEPA or placebo are shown in Table 2 . Table 2. Median Baseline and Percent Change from Baseline in Lipid Parameters in Patients with Severe Hypertriglyceridemia (≥500 mg/dL) % Change= Median Percent Change from Baseline Difference= Median of [VASCEPA % Change – Placebo % Change] (Hodges-Lehmann Estimate) p-values from Wilcoxon rank-sum test * p-value < 0.001 (primary efficacy endpoint) ** p-value < 0.05 (key secondary efficacy endpoints determined to be statistically significant according to the pre-specified multiple comparison procedure) Parameter VASCEPA 4 g/day N=76 Placebo N=75 Difference (95% Confidence Interval) Baseline % Change Baseline % Change TG (mg/dL) 680 -27 703 +10 -33 * (-47, -22) LDL-C (mg/dL) 91 -5 86 -3 -2 (-13, +8) Non-HDL-C (mg/dL) 225 -8 229 +8 -18 (-25, -11) TC (mg/dL) 254 -7 256 +8 -16 (-22, -11) HDL-C (mg/dL) 27 -4 27 0 -4 (-9, +2) VLDL-C (mg/dL) 123 -20 124 +14 -29 ** (-43, -14) Apo B (mg/dL) 121 -4 118 +4 -9 ** (-14, -3) VASCEPA 4 grams per day reduced median TG, VLDL-C, and Apo B levels from baseline relative to placebo. The reduction in TG observed with VASCEPA was not associated with elevations in LDL-C levels relative to placebo.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION VASCEPA, a lipid-regulating agent, is supplied as either a 0.5 gram or a 1 gram amber-colored, liquid-filled soft gelatin capsule for oral use. Each VASCEPA capsule contains either 0.5 grams of icosapent ethyl (in a 0.5 gram capsule) or 1 gram of icosapent ethyl (in a 1 gram capsule). Icosapent ethyl is an ethyl ester of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The empirical formula of icosapent ethyl is C 22 H 34 O 2 and the molecular weight is 330.51. The chemical name for icosapent ethyl is ethyl all-cis-5,8,11,14,17-icosapentaenoate with the following chemical structure: VASCEPA capsules also contain the following inactive ingredients: tocopherol, gelatin, glycerin, maltitol, sorbitol, and purified water. Chemical Structure
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING VASCEPA (icosapent ethyl) capsules are supplied as Strength Quantity Description NDC 0.5 gram capsules Bottles of 240 amber-colored soft-gelatin capsules imprinted with V500 52937-003-40 1 gram capsules Bottles of 120 amber-colored soft-gelatin capsules imprinted with VASCEPA 52937-001-20 1 gram capsules Bottles of 120 amber-colored soft-gelatin capsules imprinted with IPE 52937-005-20 Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: ICOSAPENT ETHYL. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52937-001-20 | 52937-001 | Amarin Pharma Inc. | 120 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (52937-001-20) | October 1, 2012 |
| 52937-003-16 | 52937-003 | Amarin Pharma Inc. | 1 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (52937-003-16) / 16 CAPSULE in 1 BLISTER PACK | September 16, 2016 |
| 52937-003-40 | 52937-003 | Amarin Pharma Inc. | 240 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (52937-003-40) | September 16, 2016 |
| 52937-005-20 | 52937-005 | Amarin Pharma Inc. | 120 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (52937-005-20) | December 5, 2025 |
| 52937-101-08 | 52937-101 | Amarin Pharma Inc. | 1 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (52937-101-08) / 8 CAPSULE in 1 BLISTER PACK | October 1, 2012 |
| 63629-8247-1 | 63629-8247 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 30 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (63629-8247-1) | April 7, 2026 |
| 63629-8247-2 | 63629-8247 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 60 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (63629-8247-2) | April 7, 2026 |
| 63629-8247-3 | 63629-8247 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 120 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (63629-8247-3) | April 7, 2026 |
| 63629-8247-4 | 63629-8247 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 90 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (63629-8247-4) | April 7, 2026 |
| 52937-001 | 52937-001 | Amarin Pharma Inc. | — | October 1, 2012 |
| 52937-003 | 52937-003 | Amarin Pharma Inc. | — | September 16, 2016 |
| 52937-005 | 52937-005 | Amarin Pharma Inc. | — | December 5, 2025 |
| 52937-101 | 52937-101 | Amarin Pharma Inc. | — | October 1, 2012 |
| 63629-8247 | 63629-8247 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | October 1, 2012 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.