Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)

Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)

Certain prescription omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are used in adults, together with diet to help lower triglyceride levels in the blood.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may also be used in combination with other vitamins in adults and children as a dietary supplement.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

uses

What is Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) used for?

  • Hypertriglyceridemia

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, soy, fish or shellfish.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids if you have any health problems.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • diabetes;
  • bleeding problems, anemia (low red blood cells);
  • a heart rhythm disorder;
  • a pancreas disorder;
  • underactive thyroid; or
  • liver disease.

It is not known if omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Do not give any herbal or health supplement to a child without medical advice.

User Reviews & Rating

Overall rating for Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)

Side Effects
4.2
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4.2
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3.5
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Side Effects

What are the side effects of Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • chest pain; or
  • uneven heartbeats.

Common side effects may include:

  • burping, changes in your sense of taste;
  • loss of appetite;
  • diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;
  • back pain; or
  • dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

It is not known if omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Avoid using omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, dandelion, danshen, evening primrose, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, turmeric, and willow.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

Use Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

The recommended daily dose of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids changes with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You may also consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the NIH, or the USDA Nutrient Database of recommended daily allowances for more information.

Over the counter (OTC) products should not be used to replace medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe to use this product.

Take with food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and blood tests.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)?

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center
(800) 222-1222
If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Fish Oil (Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids), call 911
911

Images

Color: brown

Shape: oval

Medical Disclaimer

Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Overview, Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Pregnancy, Interactions, Dosage, Overdose, and Images sections. The information within all other sections is proprietary to Everyday Health.