Source: Health Products Regulatory Authority (IE) Revision Year: 2020 Publisher: BASF AS, P.O Box 420, 1327 Lysaker, Norway
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Omega-3-triglycerides including other esters and acids
ATC code: C10AX06
The omega-3 series polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential fatty acids.
Omacor is active on the plasma lipids by lowering triglyceride levels as a result of a fall in VLDL (very low density lipoprotein), and the substance is also active on haemostasis and blood pressure.
Omacor reduces the synthesis of triglycerides in the liver because EPA and DHA are poor substrates for the enzymes responsible for triglyceride synthesis and they inhibit esterification of other fatty acids.
The increase in peroxisomes of β-oxidation of fatty acids in the liver also contributes to the fall in triglycerides, by reducing the quantity of free fatty acids available for their synthesis. The inhibition of this synthesis lowers VLDL.
Omacor increases LDL-cholesterol in some patients with hypertriglyceridaemia. A rise in HDL-cholesterol is only small, significantly smaller than seen after administration of fibrates, and not consistent.
The long-term lipid-lowering effect (after more than one year) is not known. Otherwise there is no strong evidence that lowering triglycerides reduces the risk of ischaemic heart disease.
During treatment with Omacor, there is a fall in thromboxane A2 production and a slight increase in bleeding time. No significant effect has been observed on the other coagulation factors.
During and after absorption, there are three main pathways for the metabolism of the omega-3 fatty acids:
The concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, in the plasma phospholipids corresponds to the EPA and DHA incorporated into the cell membranes.
Animal pharmacokinetic studies have shown that there is a complete hydrolysis of the ethyl ester accompanied by satisfactory absorption and incorporation of EPA and DHA into the plasma phospholipids and cholesterol esters.
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential, toxicity to reproduction. In addition non-clinical literature data on safety pharmacology are indicating that there is no hazard for humans.
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