Description
What is Omacor?Â
Omacor is a medicine used in the treatment of high cholesterol. It contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids known as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid which help to lower high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fatty substances) in the blood to prevent heart disease and stroke. Omacor is often used alongside a healthy diet to lower cholesterol and is also used in combination with other medicines to protect against heart attacks if a person is at risk or has a history of a heart attack.Â
What is the recommended dosage?Â
Always take this medicine exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor / Chemist4U pharmacist has told you. To reduce high levels of triglycerides in adults only, the usual dose is 2 capsules per day taken with water and preferably at mealtimes to prevent any gastrointestinal side effects. Your doctor may increase this dose to 4 capsules per day if 2 capsules are not having an effect.Â
Do not double dose if you forget to take Omacor, take your next dose when you remember or if it’s almost time to take your next dose, take it at your usual time.Â
What causes high cholesterol and triglycerides, and what are the symptoms?
There are many causes of cholesterol, some that can’t be controlled such as genetics, and some which can such as unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Lack of exercise, smoking, and a diet high in fatty foods are common causes of high levels of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) and low levels of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein), particularly eating a lot of saturated fats found in cheese, milk, butter and steak, and trans-fatty acids found in animal products and processed foods.Â
Certain medications such as diuretics can increase levels of cholesterol in the blood, and if you have any of the following medical conditions you’re at risk of higher blood cholesterol:Â
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Metabolic syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Kidney disease
Usually, there aren’t any noticeable symptoms of high cholesterol. Symptoms that do occur may be from complications of high cholesterol such as heart attack or stroke which are medical emergencies.
Is Omacor suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women?Â
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, you should not take Omacor capsules. Speak to your doctor for advice if you have high cholesterol and are pregnant or breastfeeding.
When should this product not be used?Â
Omacor may be unsuitable for certain people. Do not take these capsules if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. If any of the following apply to you do not take Omacor and speak to your doctor for advice:
You are due to have or have had surgery recently
You have had a trauma recently
You have a kidney problem
You have diabetes which is not controlled
You have problems with your liver. Your doctor will monitor any effects Omacor may have on your liver with blood tests.
You are allergic to fish
Before taking Omacor, inform your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist of any medicines you may be taking whether prescribed or not. You should seek advice from your doctor if you’re taking blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin, this is because your dose may need to be adjusted if you’re going to be taking Omacor and you will need extra blood tests.Â
Are there any side effects?Â
Like all medicines, Omacor may cause side effects in some people, but these won’t affect everybody. Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, symptoms of which include swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, breathing difficulties and/or loss of consciousness. Common side effects include stomach problems such as:Â
Abdominal pain
DiarrhoeaÂ
Indigestion
Gas
Belching
Acid reflux
Nausea and vomiting
Taking these capsules at mealtimes can help to ease or prevent these side effects.Â
For more information on potential side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet. If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Storage information
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.
Important information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in…
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.