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What about Fish Oil?
Contributed by: Patrick Bledsoe, Pharm.D. Candidate
UMKC School of Pharmacy
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Many physicians are now recommending fish oil as part of a regimen or by itself for treating elevated triglycerides. As a consumer you may have questions about this medication. These are some frequently encountered questions when dealing with fish oil.
What is fish oil used for and how much should I take?
Fish oil is used for a variety of ailments including hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, however, most of the research for fish oil is based on reducing triglicerides.
Commercial fish oil is composed of two omega-3 fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). For elevated triglycerides, the usual dosage is 2-4 grams of combined DHA and EPA and up to 5 grams may be taken.
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How should I take my fish oil?
It is best to take with meals in divided doses throughout the day.
Should I worry about any side effects?
Side effects are generally mild but can include stomach upset and a bad taste or fishy burping. Taking the fish oil with meals may help with the stomach upset and placing the fish oil capsules in the freezer may help with the bad taste and fishy burping.
What kind of results should I see by taking fish oil?
A recent study shows that taking 2-4 grams of fish oil may reduce triglycerides 30-50%. In addition to reducing triglycerides, fish oil may increase HDL (good cholesterol) 5-10%.
Are there any disadvantages to using fish oil?
Patients with elevated LDL (bad
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cholesterol) should be cautious when using fish oil. In a recent study fish oil was shown to increase LDL 5-10%. This may be unsafe for some patients. Your physician or your pharmacist can help answer questions to see if fish oil is a good choice for you.
Which product should I take?
Any product that contains both DHA and EPA is an appropriate choice. For additional information talk with your pharmacist or physician.
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Balls Hen House Pharmacies
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8120 Parallel Parkway
Kansas City, KS 66109
(913) 334-1660
6238 N. Chatham Road
Kansas City, MO 64151
(816) 746-1475
1015 N.E. Rice Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64086
(816) 525-1479
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13600 S. Blackbob
Olathe, KS 66062
(913) 782-2039
2724 W 53rd St
Fairway, KS 66205
913-236-4983
6900 W. 135th Street
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 814 WELL (9355)
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Sprint Campus
6450 Sprint Parkway
Overland Park, KS 66251
(913) 315-8646
Merriam Town Center
5800 Antioch Rd.
Merriam, KS 66202
(913) 831-4140
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