Monday, March 03, 2008 Dumaguing: Omacor Helps Lower Triglycerides By Dr. Victor Dumaguing To Your Health
DYSLIPIDEMIA or abnormal lipid substances in the blood includes elevations of cholesterol, the very low-density lipoproteins, the LDL -- C and triglycerides. Statins are the mainstay in the control of cholesterol.
Currently in the US, there are two drugs commonly used to treat high Triglycerides; nicotinic acid and genfibrozil, which based on experience, each has side effects. Although effective, nicotinic acid is sometimes difficult to take because it causes massive flushing and itching, aside from causing a rise in uric acid. On the other hand, the Helsinki Heart Study has documented the hypolipidemic potential of genfibrozil against coronary heart disease.
However, the long-term safety use of the drug has been questioned. Interestingly, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to lower triglycerides and have fewer side effects, even when taken with statins, thus may serve as an attractive alternative to either of the two drugs in treating hypertriglyceridemia.
Omacor is a drug composed of 85 percent omega-3 fatty acids ethyl esters (eicosapentaenoic acid and 375 mg of docosahexaaenoic acid) which are found in fish oils, a study was done to examine the safety and efficacy of Omacor in patients with high trglyeride values between 5.65 and 22.6 mmol (500 and 200mg/dl respectively). The trial was a randomized, double blind perspective, parallel group study comparing Omacor provided 3.4 grams EPA plus DHA and 18 mg of Vitamin E per day.
The study was done at the University of Kansas Medical Center and at the Columbia Prebyteri Medical Center in New York.
Results were very encouraging and impressive. Omacor significantly reduced mean triglyceride concentrations by 45 percent while placebo increased triglycerides by 16 percent from baseline values. Furthermore, Omacor reduced mean very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), even worse than LDL-C because its small size, cane easily be oxidized inside the layers of blood vessels service as a nidus forr plaque formation. LDL-C was raised by 32 percent while HDL-C was significantly raised by 13 percent.
The significant reduction in triglyceride achieved by Omacor was evident at one month and remained low throughout the four months of the study. There were no serious side effects related treatment and no patient discontinued treatment due to side effects.
It must also be emphasized that Omacor had no impact on any of the safety parameters measured, including glucose, hemoglobin Alc, liver enzymes, kidney functions and platelet counts although some studies with omega-3 acids demonstrated prolongation of bleeding time which fortunately did not exceed normal limits.
Omacor should be given with caution, in patients with known allergy or sensitivity to fish.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Omacor use among pregnant women and among breastfeeding mothers.
The most common side effects in general population are dyspepsia, taste percersion, rash, flu syndrome and mild back pain.
The comprehensive treatment of hypertriglyceridemia is to address the excess body weight of the patient, abstinence from alcohol, institution of an exercise regimen, on top of a planned diet.
Look for and treat diseases contributory to dyslopodemia like hypothyroidism or diabetes mellitus. And by the way, there's Omacor!
