Meta Information
ID:icosapent-ethyl
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Icosapent ethyl is a fat-soluble molecule, and its absorption into the bloodstream is significantly increased when taken with food, which is necessary for it to be effective.
Actionable advice:
Always take icosapent ethyl capsules with or immediately following a meal.
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Icosapent ethyl has antiplatelet effects that can prolong bleeding time. Combining it with other blood-thinning medications significantly increases the risk of serious bleeding events.
Actionable advice:
Use this combination only under strict medical supervision and monitor closely for any signs of bleeding or easy bruising.
Target id:
/procedure/elective-surgery
Target name:
Elective Surgery
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
120
Hours after target:
24
Description:
Due to its effect on platelet function and increased bleeding risk, icosapent ethyl should be stopped before surgical procedures to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during and after the operation.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue use 5 days prior to any planned surgery, or as specifically directed by your surgeon.
Target id:
/condition/bleeding-disorders
Target name:
Bleeding Disorders
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
In individuals with pre-existing conditions that impair blood clotting, the antiplatelet effect of icosapent ethyl can dangerously elevate the risk of spontaneous or prolonged bleeding.
Actionable advice:
Use is generally not recommended; consult a hematologist before considering this therapy.
Target id:
/condition/atrial-fibrillation-flutter
Target name:
History of Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Large clinical trials have shown a higher incidence of hospitalization for atrial fibrillation or flutter in patients taking icosapent ethyl compared to placebo.
Actionable advice:
Discuss this potential risk with your cardiologist and monitor for symptoms like heart palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Target id:
/class/nsaids
Target name:
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and naproxen) also have mild antiplatelet effects, and their regular use with icosapent ethyl can additively increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
Actionable advice:
Limit the use of NSAIDs and monitor for any signs of bleeding, such as dark stools, when taken together.
Target id:
/class/herbal-anticoagulants
Target name:
Herbal Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Supplements like ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, dong quai, and high-dose vitamin E can have blood-thinning properties, increasing the bleeding risk when combined with icosapent ethyl.
Actionable advice:
Disclose all supplement use to your doctor and use this combination with caution.
Target id:
/condition/hepatic-impairment
Target name:
Hepatic Impairment
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Icosapent ethyl is metabolized by the liver. While it appears safe in mild-to-moderate liver disease, caution is advised in severe cases due to a lack of specific research.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and ensure regular liver function monitoring if you have significant liver disease.
Target id:
/biomarker/triglycerides
Target name:
Triglycerides
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The primary therapeutic purpose of icosapent ethyl is to significantly lower serum triglyceride levels by reducing their production in the liver and enhancing their clearance from the blood.
Actionable advice:
This is the intended therapeutic effect; expect a significant reduction in your triglyceride levels on lab tests.
Target id:
/biomarker/ldl-c
Target name:
LDL Cholesterol
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
In some individuals, particularly those with very high baseline triglycerides, therapy with icosapent ethyl can cause a small to moderate increase in measured LDL-cholesterol levels.
Actionable advice:
Monitor your full lipid panel after starting therapy to observe any changes in LDL-C.
Target id:
/condition/fish-shellfish-allergy
Target name:
Fish or Shellfish Allergy
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Although it is a highly purified product derived from fish oil, a theoretical risk of an allergic reaction exists in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to fish or shellfish.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction if you have a known fish or shellfish allergy.