Home Drug Guide Fish Oil

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Fish Oil

Brand Names Lovaza, Vascepa, Omega-3 fatty acids

Classification

Therapeutic: Dietary supplement, Cardiovascular disease adjunct

Pharmacological: Omega-3 fatty acids

FDA Approved Indications

  • Elevated triglycerides (fish oil-specific products)
  • Prevention of cardiovascular events (Vascepa)

Mechanism of Action

Reduces hepatic synthesis of triglycerides and modifies lipid metabolism, leading to decreased triglyceride levels.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 2-4 grams/day in divided doses

Pediatric: Consult specific product guidelines and pediatric recommendations

Geriatric: Adjust based on overall health and kidney function

Renal Impairment: Use with caution, dose adjustments may be necessary

Hepatic Impairment: Consult healthcare provider for specific guidance

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, incorporated into cell membranes

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues

Metabolism: Minimal hepatic metabolism; fatty acids incorporated into lipid pools

Excretion: Metabolized or excreted via the respiratory and urinary routes

Half Life: Approximately 2-3 days for incorporated fatty acids

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to fish or shellfish

Precautions

  • Bleeding risk, especially in patients on anticoagulants; monitor INR and bleeding times

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Gastrointestinal upset (Frequent)
  • Fish burps/brx (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Bleeding complications (Rare)
  • Allergic reactions (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Anticoagulants (warfarin, dabigatran)

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor triglyceride levels, bleeding signs, and allergic reactions

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for bleeding
  • Impaired gastrointestinal comfort

Implementation: Administer with meals to reduce GI discomfort

Evaluation: Assess lipid panel and bleeding parameters regularly

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take as prescribed, preferably with meals
  • Report unusual bleeding or allergic reactions
  • Store in a cool, dry place

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None

Genetic Factors: None specific

Lab Test Interference: May slightly affect bleeding time tests

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Bleeding, gastrointestinal discomfort

Treatment: Supportive care; discontinue medication; manage bleeding risk appropriately

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture

Stability: Stable until expiration date on packaging

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.