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Fish Oils - Guidelines for Using Fish Oils- Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Fish oils, omega-3 (N-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids; nutritional supplement.

How the Drug Works:

• Omega-3 fatty acids appear to act on several factors which may contribute to the development of certain types of heart disorders (especially the development of fatty deposits in the heart blood vessels).

• They possibly decrease the levels of fats in the blood by reducing the amount of fats produced by the liver, or by increasing the excretion of fats from the body.

• Studies have indicated that diets high in omega-3 fatty acids may lower total cholesterol levels and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). However, some studies indicate that fish oils may actually raise LDL cholesterol levels. HDL cholesterol levels appear not to be affected as much as LDL levels.

• Some studies indicate that fish oils may produce some anti inflammatory effects by interfering with the normal inflammatory processes in the body.

• It has been observed that fish oils may promote the development of beneficial prostaglandin's. Prostaglandin's are hormones made locally by tissues throughout the body. The fish oils seem to favor the development of protective types of prostaglandin's, thereby helping to reduce chemical reactions in the body, which can contribute to blood clot and plaque formation, which, in turn, can clog blood vessels.

Uses:

To supplement the diet of people at early risk for heart diseases affecting the blood vessels of the heart (coronary artery disease). The American Heart Association recommends eating fish; however, it does not find justification for fish oil capsule supplements.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe omega-3 fatty acids as adjunctive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and other inflammatory diseases.

Precautions:

Use with caution in the following situations: anticoagulant (eg, warfarin) surgery, recent therapy, concurrent type 2 diabetes mellitus aspirin use, concurrent Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Do not use fish oil products until further information is available.

Children: Dot use fish oil products until further information is available.

Doses:

Type	Brand Name Examples		Omega-3
		Fish oil	Fatty Acid Content
		(mg/capsule)	EPA	DHA	Other Content
otc	Mega-MaxEPA Capsules	1275	225	150	2.5 IU vitamin C
otc	Marine Lipid Concentrate Capsules	1200	360	240	5 IU vitamin E
otc	Sea-Omega 30 Capsules	1200	180	140	2 IU vitamin E
otc	Sea-Omega 50 Capsules	1000	300	200	1 IU vitamin E
otc	EPA Capsules	1000	180	120	2 IU vitamin E
otc	Max EPA Capsules	1000	180	120	1 IU vitamin E
otc	EPA Capsules,Optimal Omega Capsules	1000	180	120	2 mg vitamin C
otc	Omega-3 700 Capsules	700	400	300	2 IU vitamin I
otc	Sam-EPA Capsules	500	300	200	1 IU vitamin I

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many fish oil users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Diarrhea has been reported in patients taking

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage will be individualized.

• Do not exceed the recommended dose, unless advised to do so by your doctor.

• Consult your doctor if you plan to take large amounts of fish oils or you plan to take them for a long period of time.

• It is not known whether fish oils can reduce the incidence of heart disease. At this time, health authorities do not know whether or not fish oil supplements can be recommended as a measure for preventing heart disease or other diseases.

• People who consider taking fish oils to reduce their risks for heart disease should also make appropriate lifestyle changes. These include reduced intake of fats, cholesterol, salt, and alcohol in the diet; elimination of smoking; appropriate exercise; and control of blood pressure.

• Fish oil supplements do not replace prescription medicines that lower cholesterol (eg, lovastatin). Do not stop prescription cholesterol medicines when starting fish oil supplements, unless advised to do so by your doctor.