Catch of the Day: Icosapent Ethyl for Reducing Cardiovascular Risk

For decades, omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) have been used for their cardioprotective effects. Although several prescription products are available, icosapent ethyl (IPE) is the lone pure, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-only, O3FA product. Initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in patients with TG levels ≥500 mg/dL, the Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT) demonstrated that IPE reduces cardiovascular events in patients with either established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or diabetes plus ≥2 ASCVD risk factors, a TG level between 135 mg/dL and 499 mg/dL, and who were taking a statin. IPE is generally well tolerated, but caution is advised if used in patients taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapies because of an increased risk of bleeding. Based on the REDUCE-IT trial, the Food and Drug Administration granted IPE an indication for ASCVD risk reduction, making it the first O3FA product to receive such an indication. IPE is a cost-effective approach to reducing residual cardiovascular risk in high risk patients treated with statins.