MaxEPA 500 mg capsule

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Medication name

Generic name:
Omega-3 fatty acids - oral

Uses

Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease. They have been used along with diet and exercise to help lower levels of a certain blood fat (triglyceride) and to raise levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL).

Some supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details about the brand you use.

The US Food and Drug Administration has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

How to use

Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the package label. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are using the enteric-coated capsules, swallow the capsules whole. If you are using the chewable form of this product, chew thoroughly before swallowing.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Some brands of this medication should be shaken well before each use.

If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Side effects

Fishy aftertaste (if your product is made from fish oil), nausea, bloating, or burping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this product, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

  • easy bleeding/bruising

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • severe dizziness
  • trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking omega-3 fatty acids, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to them; or to fish; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as peanut/soy), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

If you have any health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Notes

Lab and/or medical tests (such as cholesterol, liver function) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed dose

If you are taking this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Protect from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze. Keep all drug products away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Important note

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Information last revised August 2024.

Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.