Obtain a diet history, especially with regard to fat consumption.
Lab Test Considerations:
Monitor serum triglyceride levels prior to and periodically during therapy.
Monitor serum ALT periodically during therapy. May ↑ ALT.
Monitor serum LDL-C levels periodically during therapy. May ↑ LDL-C.
Implementation⬆⬇
Do not confuse Lovaza with lorazepam.
An appropriate lipid-lowering diet should be followed before therapy and should continue during therapy.
PO: May be taken as a single 4-g dose or as 2 g twice daily. May be administered with meals. DNC: Swallow capsules whole; do not break, dissolve, or chew. Do not puncture gelatin capsules.
Patient/Family Teaching⬆⬇
Explain the purpose and side effects of omega-3-acid ethyl esters. Instruct patient to take medication as directed and not to skip doses or double up on missed doses. Encourage patient to take with meals. Take missed doses as soon as remembered, but if a day is missed, do not double doses the next day. Medication helps control but does not cure elevated serum triglyceride levels. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting and with each Rx refill in case of changes.
Emphasize the importance of follow-up exams to determine effectiveness.
Advise patient that this medication should be used in conjunction with diet restrictions (fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates, alcohol), exercise, weight loss in overweight patients, and control of medical problems (such as diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism) that may contribute to hypertriglyceridemia.
Advise patient to notify health care provider of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care provider before taking other medications.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes⬆⬇
Lowering of serum triglyceride levels. Patients who do not have an adequate response after 2 mo of treatment should be withdrawn from therapy.
