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FDA Drug information

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters

Read time: 1 mins
Marketing start date: 23 Dec 2024

Summary of product characteristics


Adverse Reactions

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (incidence >3% and greater than placebo) were eructation, dyspepsia and taste perversion. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Par Pharmaceutical at 1-800-828-9393 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience 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% and at a greater rate than placebo for subjects treated with omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules 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 Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters Capsules Adverse Reaction * Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters Capsules (N=655) Placebo (N=370) n % n % Eructation 29 4 5 1 Dyspepsia 22 3 6 2 Taste perversion 27 4 1 <1 * Trials included subjects with HTG and severe HTG. Additional adverse reactions from clinical trials are listed below: Digestive System: Constipation, gastrointestinal disorder and vomiting. Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: Increased ALT and increased AST. Skin: Pruritus and rash. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience In addition to adverse reactions reported from clinical trials, the events described below have been identified during post-approval use of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules. 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.

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules or any of its components. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules or any of its components. (4)

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP, a lipid-regulating agent, are supplied as a liquid-filled gel capsule for oral administration. Each 1-gram capsule of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP 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 C 22 H 34 O 2 , 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 C 24 H 36 O 2 , and the molecular weight of DHA ethyl ester is 356.55. The structural formula of DHA ethyl ester is: Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP also contain the following inactive ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, purified water and opacode white ink (contains shellac glaze, titanium dioxide, purified water, N-butyl alcohol, lecithin and simethicone). EPA chemical structure DHA chemical structure

Dosage And Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Assess triglyceride levels carefully before initiating therapy. Identify other causes (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, medications) of high triglyceride levels and manage as appropriate. [see Indications and Usage ( 1 )]. Patients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, and should continue this diet during treatment with omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules. In clinical studies, omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules was administered with meals. The daily dose of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules 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 omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules whole. Do not break open, crush, dissolve, or chew omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules. The daily dose of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP are 4 grams per day taken as a single 4-gram dose (4 capsules) or as two 2-gram doses (2 capsules given twice daily). (2) Patients should be advised to swallow omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules whole. Do not break open, crush, dissolve or chew omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules. (2)

Indications And Usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP are indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). Usage Considerations: Patients should be placed on an appropriate lipid-lowering diet before receiving omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP and should continue this diet during treatment with omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP. Laboratory studies should be done to ascertain that the lipid levels are consistently abnormal before instituting therapy with omega-3-acid ethyl esters. 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 triglyceride-lowering drug therapy. Limitations of Use: The effect of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP on the risk for pancreatitis has not been determined. The effect of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity has not been determined. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP are combination of ethyl esters of omega 3 fatty acids, principally EPA and DHA, indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). (1) Limitations of Use: The effect of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP on the risk for pancreatitis has not been determined. (1) The effect of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity has not been determined. (1)

Drug Abuse And Dependence

9 DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules does not have any known drug abuse or withdrawal effects.

Adverse Reactions Table

Table 1. Adverse Reactions Occurring at Incidence ≥3% and Greater than Placebo in Clinical Trials of Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters Capsules
Adverse Reaction* Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters Capsules (N=655) Placebo (N=370)
n % n %
Eructation 29 4 5 1
Dyspepsia 22 3 6 2
Taste perversion 27 4 1 <1

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Omega-3-acids may prolong bleeding time. Patients taking omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules and an anticoagulant or other drug affecting coagulation (e.g., anti-platelet agents) should be monitored periodically. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Anticoagulants or Other Drugs Affecting Coagulation 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 omega-3-acid ethyl esters and concomitant anticoagulants. Patients receiving treatment with omega-3-acid ethyl esters and an anticoagulant or other drug affecting coagulation (e.g., anti-platelet agents) should be monitored periodically.

Clinical Pharmacology

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of omega-3-acid ethyl esters 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. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters may reduce the synthesis of triglycerides 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. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics 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 (omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules) 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. Specific Populations: Age: Uptake of EPA and DHA into serum phospholipids in subjects treated with omega-3-acid ethyl esters was independent of age (<49 years versus ≥49 years). Gender: Females tended to have more uptake of EPA into serum phospholipids than males. The clinical significance of this is unknown. Pediatric: Pharmacokinetics of omega-3-acid ethyl esters have not been studied. Renal or Hepatic Impairment: omega-3-acid ethyl esters has not been studied in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Drug-Drug Interactions: Simvastatin: In a 14-day trial of 24 healthy adult subjects, daily coadministration of simvastatin 80 mg with omega-3-acid ethyl esters 4 grams did not affect the extent (AUC) or rate (C max ) of exposure to simvastatin or the major active metabolite, beta-hydroxy simvastatin at steady state. Atorvastain: In a 14-day trial of 50 healthy adult subjects, daily coadministration of atorvastatin 80 mg with omega-3-acid ethyl esters 4 grams did not affect AUC or Cmax of exposure to atorvastatin, 2-hydroxyatorvastatin, or 4-hydroxyatorvastatin at steady state. Rosuvastatin: In a 14-day trial of 48 healthy adult subjects, daily coadministration of rosuvastatin 40 mg with omega-3-acid ethyl esters 4 grams did not affect AUC or C max 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.

Mechanism Of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of omega-3-acid ethyl esters 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. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters may reduce the synthesis of triglycerides 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.

Pharmacokinetics

12.3 Pharmacokinetics 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 (omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules) 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. Specific Populations: Age: Uptake of EPA and DHA into serum phospholipids in subjects treated with omega-3-acid ethyl esters was independent of age (<49 years versus ≥49 years). Gender: Females tended to have more uptake of EPA into serum phospholipids than males. The clinical significance of this is unknown. Pediatric: Pharmacokinetics of omega-3-acid ethyl esters have not been studied. Renal or Hepatic Impairment: omega-3-acid ethyl esters has not been studied in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Drug-Drug Interactions: Simvastatin: In a 14-day trial of 24 healthy adult subjects, daily coadministration of simvastatin 80 mg with omega-3-acid ethyl esters 4 grams did not affect the extent (AUC) or rate (C max ) of exposure to simvastatin or the major active metabolite, beta-hydroxy simvastatin at steady state. Atorvastain: In a 14-day trial of 50 healthy adult subjects, daily coadministration of atorvastatin 80 mg with omega-3-acid ethyl esters 4 grams did not affect AUC or Cmax of exposure to atorvastatin, 2-hydroxyatorvastatin, or 4-hydroxyatorvastatin at steady state. Rosuvastatin: In a 14-day trial of 48 healthy adult subjects, daily coadministration of rosuvastatin 40 mg with omega-3-acid ethyl esters 4 grams did not affect AUC or C max 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.

Effective Time

20170925

Version

1

Dosage Forms And Strengths

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, USP are supplied as 1-gram clear, natural colored oblong shaped soft gelatin capsules containing pale yellow colored oily liquid imprinted with '740'. Capsules: 1-gram (3)

Spl Product Data Elements

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters Omega-3-acid ethyl esters OMEGA-3-ACID ETHYL ESTERS OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS GLYCERIN GELATIN SHELLAC WATER TITANIUM DIOXIDE LECITHIN, SOYBEAN BUTYL ALCOHOL DIMETHICONE pale yellow oblong 740

Carcinogenesis And Mutagenesis And Impairment Of Fertility

13.1 Carcinogenesis & Mutagenesis & Impairment of Fertility 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 gavage 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 and throughout mating, gestation, and lactation. No adverse effect on fertility was observed at 2,000 mg/kg/day (5 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison).

Nonclinical Toxicology

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 13.1 Carcinogenesis & Mutagenesis & Impairment of Fertility 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 gavage 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 and throughout mating, gestation, and lactation. No adverse effect on fertility was observed at 2,000 mg/kg/day (5 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison).

Application Number

ANDA203893

Brand Name

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters

Generic Name

Omega-3-acid ethyl esters

Product Ndc

0254-3010

Product Type

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Route

ORAL

Laboratory Tests

5.1 Monitoring: Laboratory Tests In patients with hepatic impairment, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels should be monitored periodically during therapy with omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules. In some patients, increases in ALT levels without a concurrent increase in AST levels were observed. In some patients, omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules increase LDL-C levels. LDL-C levels should be monitored periodically during therapy with omega-3-acid ethyl esters. Laboratory studies should be performed periodically to measure the patient's TG levels during therapy with omega-3-acid ethyl esters.

Package Label Principal Display Panel

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL NDC 0254-3010-08 Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters Capsules, USP 1 gram 120 Capsules R x only 120 count label

Recent Major Changes

RECENT MAJOR CHANGES Indications and Usage, Limitations of Use (1) 05/2014

Information For Patients

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information). Information for Patients: Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules should be used with caution in patients with known sensitivity or allergy to fish and/or shellfish [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Advise patients that use of lipid-regulating agents does not reduce the importance of adhering to diet [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )] . Advise patients not to alter omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules in any way and to ingest intact capsules only [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )] . Instruct patients to take omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules as prescribed. If a dose is missed, advise patients to take it as soon as they remember. However, if they miss one day of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules, they should not double the dose when they take it. Manufactured by: Strides Shasun Limited Bengaluru, India Distributed by: Par Pharmaceutical Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977 USA Revised: 07/2017

Clinical Studies

14 CLINICAL STUDIES 14.1 Severe Hypertriglyceridemia The effects of omega-3-acid ethyl esters 4 grams per day were assessed in 2 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group trials of 84 adult subjects (42 on omega-3-acid ethyl esters, 42 on placebo) with very high triglyceride levels. Subjects whose baseline triglyceride levels were between 500 and 2,000 mg/dL were enrolled in these 2 trials of 6 and 16 weeks' duration. The median triglyceride and LDL-C levels in these subjects were 792 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL, respectively. Median HDL-C level was 23.0 mg/dL. The changes in the major lipoprotein lipid parameters for the groups receiving omega-3-acid ethyl esters 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 Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 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 = Omega-3-acid ethyl esters Median % Change – Placebo Median % Change. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters 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 omega-3-acid ethyl esters 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 omega-3-acid ethyl esters on the risk of pancreatitis has not been determined. The effect of omega-3-acid ethyl esters on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity has not been determined.

Clinical Studies Table

Table 2. Median Baseline and Percent Change from Baseline in Lipid Parameters in Subjects with Severe Hypertriglyceridemia (≥500 mg/dL)
Parameter Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters 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

Geriatric Use

8.5 Geriatric Use A limited number of subjects older than 65 years were enrolled in the clinical trials of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules. Safety and efficacy findings in subjects older than 60 years did not appear to differ from those of subjects younger than 60 years.

Nursing Mothers

8.3 Nursing Mothers Studies with omega-3-acid ethyl esters have demonstrated excretion in human milk. The effect of this excretion on the infant of a nursing mother is unknown; caution should be exercised when omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules are administered to a nursing mother. An animal study in lactating rats given oral gavage 14 C-ethyl EPA demonstrated that drug levels were 6 to 14 times higher in milk than in plasma.

Pediatric Use

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is unknown whether omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the patient justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal Data: Omega-3-acid ethyl esters have been shown to have an embryocidal effect in pregnant rats when given in doses resulting in exposures 7 times the recommended human dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison. In female rats given oral gavage doses of 100, 600, and 2,000 mg/kg/day beginning 2 weeks prior to mating and continuing through gestation and lactation, no adverse effects were observed in the high dose group (5 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on body surface area comparison). In pregnant rats given oral gavage doses of 1,000, 3,000, and 6,000 mg/kg/day from gestation day 6 through 15, no adverse effects were observed (14 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison). In pregnant rats given oral gavage doses of 100, 600, and 2,000 mg/kg/day from gestation day 14 through lactation day 21, no adverse effects were seen at 2,000 mg/kg/day (5 times the human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison). However, decreased live births (20% reduction) and decreased survival to postnatal day 4 (40% reduction) were observed in a dose-ranging study using higher doses of 3,000 mg/kg/day (7 times the human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison). In pregnant rabbits given oral gavage doses of 375, 750, and 1,500 mg/kg/day from gestation day 7 through 19, no findings were observed in the fetuses in groups given 375 mg/kg/day (2 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison). However, at higher doses, evidence of maternal toxicity was observed (4 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison).

Use In Specific Populations

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. ( 8.1 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is unknown whether omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the patient justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal Data: Omega-3-acid ethyl esters have been shown to have an embryocidal effect in pregnant rats when given in doses resulting in exposures 7 times the recommended human dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison. In female rats given oral gavage doses of 100, 600, and 2,000 mg/kg/day beginning 2 weeks prior to mating and continuing through gestation and lactation, no adverse effects were observed in the high dose group (5 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on body surface area comparison). In pregnant rats given oral gavage doses of 1,000, 3,000, and 6,000 mg/kg/day from gestation day 6 through 15, no adverse effects were observed (14 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison). In pregnant rats given oral gavage doses of 100, 600, and 2,000 mg/kg/day from gestation day 14 through lactation day 21, no adverse effects were seen at 2,000 mg/kg/day (5 times the human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison). However, decreased live births (20% reduction) and decreased survival to postnatal day 4 (40% reduction) were observed in a dose-ranging study using higher doses of 3,000 mg/kg/day (7 times the human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison). In pregnant rabbits given oral gavage doses of 375, 750, and 1,500 mg/kg/day from gestation day 7 through 19, no findings were observed in the fetuses in groups given 375 mg/kg/day (2 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison). However, at higher doses, evidence of maternal toxicity was observed (4 times human systemic exposure following an oral dose of 4 grams/day based on a body surface area comparison). 8.3 Nursing Mothers Studies with omega-3-acid ethyl esters have demonstrated excretion in human milk. The effect of this excretion on the infant of a nursing mother is unknown; caution should be exercised when omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules are administered to a nursing mother. An animal study in lactating rats given oral gavage 14 C-ethyl EPA demonstrated that drug levels were 6 to 14 times higher in milk than in plasma. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use A limited number of subjects older than 65 years were enrolled in the clinical trials of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules. Safety and efficacy findings in subjects older than 60 years did not appear to differ from those of subjects younger than 60 years.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters Capsules, USP are supplied as 1-gram clear, natural colored oblong shaped soft gelatin capsules containing pale yellow colored oily liquid imprinted with '740' Bottles of 120: NDC 0254-3010-08 Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) Protect from light. [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.

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