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Vascepa

icosapent ethyl · Capsule

Prescription NDA TE AB RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Vascepa
Generic name
icosapent ethyl
Dosage form
Capsule
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Amarin Pharma Inc.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
5
Packages
9
Data completeness
82% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Icosapent Ethyl 1000 mg/1 1304979 View
Icosapent Ethyl 500 mg/1 1304979 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Capsule
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
14

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
202057
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
July 26, 2012
Sponsor
AMARIN PHARMS
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
19
Products approved under application 202057.
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 Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What 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 listings submitted under 21 U.S.C. 355(b)(1) and (c)(2).
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
Most recent submissions on application 202057.
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 Labeling

Reproduced 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.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260407 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260323

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 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 Labeling

2 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 Labeling

3 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 Labeling

4 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 Labeling

5 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 Labeling

6 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 Labeling

7 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 Labeling

8 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 Labeling

12.1 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 Labeling

11 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 Labeling

16 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 FAERS
8,464
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed 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
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
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

Every dataset that contributed a fact to 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.