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LOVAZA, a lipid-regulating agent, is supplied as a liquid-filled gel capsule for oral administration. Each 1-gram capsule of LOVAZA contains at least 900 mg of the ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish oils. These are predominantly a combination of ethyl esters of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA - approximately 465 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA - approximately 375 mg).
The empirical formula of EPA ethyl ester is C22H34O2, and the molecular weight of EPA ethyl ester is 330.51. The structural formula of EPA ethyl ester is:
 |
The empirical formula of DHA ethyl ester is C24H36O2, and the molecular weight of DHA ethyl ester is 356.55. The structural formula of DHA ethyl ester is:
 |
LOVAZA capsules also contain the following inactive ingredients: 4 mg α-tocopherol (in a carrier of soybean oil), and gelatin, glycerol, and purified water (components of the capsule shell).
LOVAZA (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) is indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe (greater than or equal to 500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia.
Patients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving LOVAZA and should continue this diet during treatment with LOVAZA.
Laboratory studies should be done to ascertain that the lipid levels are consistently abnormal before instituting therapy with LOVAZA. Every attempt should be made to control serum lipids with appropriate diet, exercise, weight loss in obese patients, and control of any medical problems such as diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism that are contributing to the lipid abnormalities. Medications known to exacerbate hypertriglyceridemia (such as beta blockers, thiazides, estrogens) should be discontinued or changed, if possible, prior to consideration of TG-lowering drug therapy.
The effect of LOVAZA on the risk for pancreatitis has not been determined. The effect of LOVAZA on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity has not been determined.
The daily dose of LOVAZA is 4 grams per day. The daily dose may be taken as a single 4-gram dose (4 capsules) or as two 2-gram doses (2 capsules given twice daily).
Patients should be advised to swallow LOVAZA capsules whole. Do not break open, crush, dissolve, or chew LOVAZA.
LOVAZA (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) capsules are supplied as 1-gram transparent, soft-gelatin capsules filled with light-yellow oil and bearing the designation “GS FH2”.
LOVAZA (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) capsules are supplied as 1-gram, transparent, soft-gelatin capsules filled with light-yellow oil and bearing the designation “GS FH2”.
Bottles of 120: NDC 0173-0884-08.
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Manufactured for: GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Revised: Sep 2020
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Adverse reactions reported in at least 3% of subjects treated with LOVAZA and at a greater rate than placebo based on pooled data across 23 clinical trials are listed in Table 1.
Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring at Incidence ≥3% and Greater than Placebo in Clinical Trials of LOVAZA
| Adverse Reactiona | LOVAZA (n = 655) | Placebo (n = 370) | ||
| n | % | n | % | |
| Eructation | 29 | 4 | 5 | 1 |
| Dyspepsia | 22 | 3 | 6 | 2 |
| Taste perversion | 27 | 4 | 1 | <1 |
| a Trials included subjects with hypertriglyceridemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia. | ||||
Additional adverse reactions from clinical trials are listed below:
Constipation, gastrointestinal disorder, and vomiting.
Increased ALT and increased AST.
Pruritus and rash.
In addition to adverse reactions reported from clinical trials, the events described below have been identified during post-approval use of LOVAZA. Because these events are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or to always establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
The following events have been reported: anaphylactic reaction, hemorrhagic diathesis, urticaria.
Some trials with omega-3-acids demonstrated prolongation of bleeding time. The prolongation of bleeding time reported in these trials has not exceeded normal limits and did not produce clinically significant bleeding episodes. Clinical trials have not been done to thoroughly examine the effect of LOVAZA and concomitant anticoagulants. Patients receiving treatment with LOVAZA and an anticoagulant or other drug affecting coagulation (e.g., anti-platelet agents) should be monitored periodically.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
In patients with hepatic impairment, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels should be monitored periodically during therapy with LOVAZA. In some patients, increases in ALT levels without a concurrent increase in AST levels were observed.
In some patients, LOVAZA increases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. LDLC levels should be monitored periodically during therapy with LOVAZA.
Laboratory studies should be performed periodically to measure the patient’s TG levels during therapy with LOVAZA.
LOVAZA contains ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) obtained from the oil of several fish sources. It is not known whether patients with allergies to fish and/or shellfish, are at increased risk of an allergic reaction to LOVAZA. LOVAZA should be used with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 663 subjects with symptomatic paroxysmal AF (n = 542) or persistent AF (n = 121), recurrent AF or flutter was observed in subjects randomized to LOVAZA who received 8 grams/day for 7 days and 4 grams/day thereafter for 23 weeks at a higher rate relative to placebo. Subjects in this trial had median baseline TG levels of 127 mg/dL, had no substantial structural heart disease, were taking no anti-arrhythmic therapy (rate control permitted), and were in normal sinus rhythm at baseline.
At 24 weeks, in the paroxysmal AF stratum, there were 129 (47%) first recurrent symptomatic AF or flutter events on placebo and 141 (53%) on LOVAZA (primary endpoint, HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.93, 1.35). In the persistent AF stratum, there were 19 (35%) events on placebo and 34 (52%) events on LOVAZA (HR: 1.63; 95% CI: 0.91, 2.18). For both strata combined, the HR was 1.25; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.40. Although the clinical significance of these results is uncertain, there is a possible association between LOVAZA and more frequent recurrences of symptomatic AF or flutter in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF, particularly within the first 2 to 3 months of initiating therapy.
LOVAZA is not indicated for the treatment of AF or flutter.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
In a rat carcinogenicity study with oral gavage doses of 100, 600, and 2,000 mg/kg/day, males were treated with omega-3-acid ethyl esters for 101 weeks and females for 89 weeks without an increased incidence of tumors (up to 5 times human systemic exposures following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison). Standard lifetime carcinogenicity bioassays were not conducted in mice.
Omega-3-acid ethyl esters were not mutagenic or clastogenic with or without metabolic activation in the bacterial mutagenesis (Ames) test with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli or in the chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster V79 lung cells or human lymphocytes. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters were negative in the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay.
In a rat fertility study with oral doses of 100, 600, and 2,000 mg/kg/day, males were treated for 10 weeks prior to mating and females were treated for 2 weeks prior to mating and through lactation. No adverse effect on fertility was observed at 2,000 mg/kg/day (5 times the MRHD of 4 grams/day based on body surface area [mg/m²]).
The available data from published case reports and the pharmacovigilance database on the use of LOVAZA in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal studies, omega-3-acid ethyl esters given orally to female rats prior to mating through lactation did not have adverse effects on reproduction or development when given at doses 5 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 4 grams/day, based on a body surface area comparison. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters given orally to rats and rabbits during organogenesis was not teratogenic at clinically relevant exposures, based on body surface area comparison (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Animal Data
In female rats given oral doses of omega-3-acid ethyl esters (100, 600, or 2,000 mg/kg/day) beginning 2 weeks prior to mating through lactation, no adverse effects were observed at 2,000 mg/kg/day (5 times the MRHD based on body surface area [mg/m²]). In a dose-ranging study, female rats given oral doses of omega-3-acid ethyl esters (1,000, 3,000, or 6,000 mg/kg/day) beginning 2 weeks prior to mating through Postpartum Day 7 had decreased live births (20% reduction) and pup survival to Postnatal Day 4 (40% reduction) at or greater than 3,000 mg/kg/day in the absence of maternal toxicity at 3,000 mg/kg/day (7 times the MRHD based on body surface area [mg/m²]).
In pregnant rats given oral doses of omega-3-acid ethyl esters (1,000, 3,000, or 6,000 mg/kg/day) during organogenesis, no adverse effects were observed in fetuses at a maternally toxic dose (increased food consumption) of 6,000 mg/kg/day (14 times the MRHD based on body surface area [mg/m²]). In pregnant rats given oral doses of omega-3-acid ethyl esters (100, 600, or 2,000 mg/kg/day) from Gestation Day 14 through Lactation Day 21, no adverse effects were observed at 2,000 mg/kg/day (5 times the MRHD based on body surface area [mg/m²]).
In pregnant rabbits given oral doses of omega-3-acid ethyl esters (375, 750, or 1,500 mg/kg/day) during organogenesis, no adverse effects were observed in fetuses given 375 mg/kg/day (2 times the MRHD based on body surface area [mg/m²]). However, at higher doses, increases in fetal skeletal variations and reduced fetal growth were evident at maternally toxic doses (reduced food consumption and body weight gain) greater than or equal to 750 mg/kg/day (4 times the MRHD), and embryolethality was evident at 1,500 mg/kg/day (7 times the MRHD).
Published studies have detected omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, in human milk. Lactating women receiving oral omega-3 fatty acids for supplementation have resulted in higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in human milk. There are no data available on the effects of omega3 fatty acid ethyl esters on the breastfed infant or on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for LOVAZA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from LOVAZA or from the underlying maternal condition.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
A limited number of subjects older than 65 years were enrolled in the clinical trials of LOVAZA. Safety and efficacy findings in subjects older than 60 years did not appear to differ from those of subjects younger than 60 years.
No Information provided
LOVAZA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to LOVAZA or any of its components.
The mechanism of action of LOVAZA is not completely understood. Potential mechanisms of action include inhibition of acyl-CoA:1,2-diacylglycerol acyltransferase, increased mitochondrial and peroxisomal β-oxidation in the liver, decreased lipogenesis in the liver, and increased plasma lipoprotein lipase activity. LOVAZA may reduce the synthesis of TG in the liver because EPA and DHA are poor substrates for the enzymes responsible for TG synthesis, and EPA and DHA inhibit esterification of other fatty acids.
In healthy volunteers and in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia, EPA and DHA were absorbed when administered as ethyl esters orally. Omega-3-acids administered as ethyl esters (LOVAZA) induced significant dose-dependent increases in serum phospholipid EPA content, though increases in DHA content were less marked and not dose-dependent when administered as ethyl esters.
Uptake of EPA and DHA into serum phospholipids in subjects treated with LOVAZA was independent of age (younger than 49 years versus 49 years and older).
Females tended to have more uptake of EPA into serum phospholipids than males. The clinical significance of this is unknown.
Pharmacokinetics of LOVAZA have not been studied.
LOVAZA has not been studied in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
In a 14-day trial of 24 healthy adult subjects, daily coadministration of simvastatin 80 mg with LOVAZA 4 grams did not affect the extent (AUC) or rate (Cmax) of exposure to simvastatin or the major active metabolite, beta-hydroxy simvastatin, at steady state.
In a 14-day trial of 50 healthy adult subjects, daily coadministration of atorvastatin 80 mg with LOVAZA 4 grams did not affect AUC or Cmax of exposure to atorvastatin, 2hydroxyatorvastatin, or 4-hydroxyatorvastatin at steady state.
In a 14-day trial of 48 healthy adult subjects, daily coadministration of rosuvastatin 40 mg with LOVAZA 4 grams did not affect AUC or Cmax of exposure to rosuvastatin at steady state.
In vitro studies using human liver microsomes indicated that clinically significant cytochrome P450-mediated inhibition by EPA/DHA combinations are not expected in humans.
The effects of LOVAZA 4 grams per day were assessed in 2 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group trials of 84 adult subjects (42 on LOVAZA, 42 on placebo) with very high TG levels. Subjects whose baseline TG levels were between 500 and 2,000 mg/dL were enrolled in these 2 trials of 6 and 16 weeks’ duration. The median TG and LDL-C levels in these subjects were 792 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL, respectively. Median high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was 23.0 mg/dL.
The changes in the major lipoprotein lipid parameters for the groups receiving LOVAZA or placebo are shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Median Baseline and Percent Change from Baseline in Lipid Parameters in Subjects with Severe Hypertriglyceridemia (≥500 mg/dL)
| Parameter | LOVAZA n = 42 | Placebo n = 42 | Difference | ||
| BL | % Change | BL | % Change | ||
| TG | 816 | -44.9 | 788 | +6.7 | -51.6 |
| Non-HDL-C | 271 | -13.8 | 292 | -3.6 | -10.2 |
| TC | 296 | -9.7 | 314 | -1.7 | -8.0 |
| VLDL-C | 175 | -41.7 | 175 | -0.9 | -40.8 |
| HDL-C | 22 | +9.1 | 24 | 0.0 | +9.1 |
| LDL-C | 89 | +44.5 | 108 | -4.8 | +49.3 |
| BL = Baseline (mg/dL); % Change = Median Percent Change from Baseline; Difference = LOVAZA Median % Change – Placebo Median % Change. TC = Total cholesterol. VLDL-C = Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. | |||||
LOVAZA 4 grams per day reduced median TG, VLDL-C, and non-HDL-C levels and increased median HDL-C from baseline relative to placebo. Treatment with LOVAZA to reduce very high TG levels may result in elevations in LDL-C and non-HDL-C in some individuals. Patients should be monitored to ensure that the LDL-C level does not increase excessively.
The effect of LOVAZA on the risk of pancreatitis has not been determined.
The effect of LOVAZA on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity has not been determined.
LOVAZA
(LO-VA-ZA)
(omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules)
What is LOVAZA?
LOVAZA is a prescription medicine used along with a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet to lower very high triglyceride (fat) levels in adults.
It is not known if LOVAZA changes your risk of having inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis).
It is not known if LOVAZA prevents you from having a heart attack or stroke.
It is not known if LOVAZA is safe and effective in children.
Who should not take LOVAZA?
Do not take LOVAZA if you are allergic to omega-3-acid ethyl esters or any of the ingredients in LOVAZA. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in LOVAZA.
Before taking LOVAZA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-thecounter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
LOVAZA can interact with certain other medicines that you are taking. Using LOVAZA with medicines that affect blood clotting (anticoagulants or blood thinners) may cause serious side effects.
How should I take LOVAZA?
What are the possible side effects of LOVAZA?
LOVAZA may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of LOVAZA include:
These are not all the possible side effects of LOVAZA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store LOVAZA?
Keep LOVAZA and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of LOVAZA.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use LOVAZA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give LOVAZA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about LOVAZA that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in LOVAZA?
Active Ingredient: omega-3-acid ethyl esters, mostly EPA and DHA
Inactive Ingredients: alpha-tocopherol (in soybean oil), gelatin, glycerol, purified water.
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
