Tag: Icosapent ethyl

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved icosapent ethyl (brand name Vascepa) in 2012 for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia. And yes, icosapent ethyl is derived from fish, but it is a highly purified form of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which distinguishes it significantly from standard fish oil supplements.

Over 6% of the population in some Western countries identifies as vegan, making the sourcing of medications like icosapent ethyl a critical health consideration. The short and definitive answer is that icosapent ethyl is not a vegan product, a fact stemming from both its active ingredient and, in many cases, its capsule composition.

The active ingredient in Vascepa, icosapent ethyl, is derived from fish oil, making the medication non-vegan. This is a crucial detail for patients following a vegan lifestyle or with fish allergies, as the capsule also contains animal-derived gelatin.

According to the FDA, Vascepa contains ethyl esters of the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), obtained from the oil of fish. While this confirms its origin, the prescription medication undergoes a unique and highly specific purification process that distinguishes it significantly from common over-the-counter fish oil supplements.

While many assume Vascepa is just another fish oil supplement, it is actually a highly purified, single-molecule prescription medication with a specific purpose. The active ingredient, icosapent ethyl, is derived from the oil of specific fish, which undergoes a rigorous process to isolate it for therapeutic use.