ESAPENT ® is a drug based on ethyl esters of polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA not less than 85%).
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Lipid-lowering agents - Ethyl esters of polyunsaturated fatty acids
IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects
Indications ESAPENT ®
ESAPENT ® can be used as a pharmacological aid in patients suffering from hypertriglyceridemia, if the non-pharmacological therapy (hypolipidic diet and physical activity) is unsatisfactory.
The pleiotropic action of polyunsaturated fatty acids allows ESAPENT ® to be used also in patients with previous history of myocardial infarction, in order to reduce mortality.
ESAPENT ® action mechanism
The ethyl esters of polyunsaturated fatty acids present in ESAPENT ® are effectively absorbed in the intestine, and released into the circulatory stream through lipoproteins known as chylomicrons. Conveyed to these macromolecules, and also to VLDL, they can therefore reach the various peripheral districts re-entering, in the form of phospholipids, in the constitution of cellular membranes.
At leukocyte and endothelial level, these polyunsaturated fatty acids can replace arachidonic acid as a substrate for enzymes involved in the synthesis of leukotrienes and prostaglandins, and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory and platelet aggregating molecules, while increasing the synthesis of compounds with activity antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective. At the hepatic level, however, they can significantly reduce the synthesis of triglycerides and cholesterol, rebalancing the blood levels of the circulating lipids.
Numerous other effects associated with the daily intake of omega 3, such as the antiarrhythmic, neuroprotective and neurotrophic activity, remain under study and characterization.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
PLEIOTROPIC PROPERTIES OF OMEGA 3
The numerous beneficial effects described for the intake of omega 3 are closely related to the pleiotropic properties of these molecules. In addition to the anti-inflammatory, vasoprotective, anti-platelet and neuroprotective action, an antiartmic activity has been demonstrated, guaranteed by the stabilizing action on the cellular membranes of myocardiocytes, and partly responsible for the protection against cardiovascular accidents.
2. OMEGA 3 AND SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION
The association between polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega 3 series and plant sterols, administered for 3 weeks in hyperlipidemic patients, guaranteed an important reduction of the most common markers of systemic inflammation (PCR, TNF, IL6 and leukotrienes), with a reduction in risk cardiovascular by 22%.
3. OMEGA 3 IN SPORTS PRACTICE
The polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega 3 series have been used for years by athletes of various disciplines. Given the neurotrophic and neuro-protective role of EPA and DHA, it was thought to experiment with its use in professional karateki. The results, quite encouraging, have shown how supplementation with these fatty acids can guarantee a significant reduction in reaction times.
Method of use and dosage
ESAPENT ® soft capsules of 500mg / 1000mg of ethyl esters of polyunsaturated fatty acids, titrated to EPA and DHA at least 85% and with a ratio 0.9 / 1.5: the administration of ESAPENT ® in patients with hypertriglyceridemia should be preceded and accompanied by interventions non-pharmacological targeting (hypolipid diet and healthy lifestyle). The standard dosage involves taking one 1 gram capsule 3 times a day, and it should be corrected if necessary based on therapeutic goals.
In preventing mortality in patients with previous myocardial infarction, the suggested dose is one gram per day.
IN ANY CASE, BEFORE TAKING ESAPENT ® - THE REQUIREMENT AND CHECK OF YOUR DOCTOR IS NECESSARY.
ESAPENT ® warnings
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have a high safety profile and few precautions for use. The most important involves careful and supervised administration by the doctor, in patients suffering from coagulation disorders or under drug therapy with oral anticoagulants, in order to avoid even serious bleeding episodes.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
Contrasting are the opinions in the literature on the efficacy and safety of omega 3 in pregnancy.
For this reason, you should contact your doctor and your gynecologist before starting or continuing therapy with ESAPENT ® during pregnancy.
Interactions
Drug interactions and not, clinically relevant, are reported only for oral anticoagulants. In fact, the therapeutic action of these drugs could be enhanced by the anti-platelet aggregation of the omega 3, exposing the patient to possible bleeding in case of vascular lesions.
ESAPENT ® Contraindications
ESAPENT ® is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to one of its components.
Undesirable effects - Side effects
The side effects associated with ESAPENT ® therapy are all modest and clinically irrelevant; nausea, diarrhea and gastro-intestinal burning are those most frequently reported by patients.
Note
ESAPENT ® is salable only under medical prescription.
