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Written By
P. Thirumal Reddy
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)
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OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Background and Date of approval OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Omega-3 fatty acids contain highly purified omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is a lipid-lowering agent that belongs to a group called reducers of cholesterol and triglycerides. FDA approved the tablet initially in 2004 for its medical use.
Uses of OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
It is used together with lifestyle changes such as diet to reduce the amount of triglycerides (fat-like substances) in the blood in people with very high triglyceride levels. It works by decreasing the amount of triglycerides and other fats made in the liver.
How is OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS administered?
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of omega-3 fatty acids based on your condition and other factors. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take the capsule at the same time, immediately after food. Do not break, chew, crush, or break the capsules. Swallow the whole capsules with water. Take the capsules at mealtime to help reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Side Effects of OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
The common side effects of omega-3 fatty acids are burping, indigestion, and altered taste sensation.
Warnings
Do not take omega-3 fatty acids if you are allergic to the active substances or any other ingredients of this medicine. This medicine contains soya oil; if you are allergic to peanuts or soya, do not use this medicine. This medicine should be used cautiously in patients with known fish or shellfish allergies.
Precautions
Inform your physician if you are going to have or had surgery recently, had trauma recently, have kidney problems, diabetes, liver diseases, or are allergic to fish. Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before initiating the treatment. This medicine may increase the frequency of heart rhythm problems in people who have heart problems.
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications interact with omega-3 fatty acids and reduce their effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects
Word of Advice
Store the omega-3 fatty acids above 25°C. Protect the medicine from light and excessive moisture. Do not freeze. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. If you missed a dose, take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. This medicine is not recommended for children. If you accidentally take more of this medicine than you should, do not worry, as this is unlikely to need special treatment. However, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fats that are essential for maintaining good health. They are considered essential because the human body cannot produce them independently and must obtain them from dietary sources.
Q2.
What are the main sources of omega-3 fatty acids?
The main sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines), fish oil supplements, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and certain fortified foods.
Q3.
Can omega-3 fatty acids help with joint pain or arthritis?
Some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may have anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially help reduce joint pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis. However, more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness in this regard.
Q4.
How much omega-3 fatty acids should I consume?
The recommended intake of omega-3 fatty acids varies depending on factors such as age, sex, and overall health of individuals. However, your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your health condition.
Q5.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with omega-3 fatty acids?
The most common side effects of omega-3 fatty acids are burping, digestion issues, and altered taste sense. Take the capsules with meals to reduce these gastrointestinal-related side effects.
References
- BASF AS, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on July 2019] [ Accessed on 12th June 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1706.pdf
- GlaxoSmithKline, US.FDA, [ Revised on April 2019] [ Accessed on 12th June 2023]https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/021654s043lbl.pdf
- Krupa K, Fritz K, Parmar M. Omega-3 Fatty Acids. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing [ Revised on Jan 2023] [ Accessed on 12th June 2023] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564314/
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.
