Fish Oil

GENERIC NAME: OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

COMMON USES: Omega-3 fatty acids, also know as "fish oils", have been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, high lipid (fat) levels in the blood (hyperlipidemia), certain skin/scalp conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis, psoriasis), ulcerative colitis, or certain blood circulation problems (e.g., Raynaud's syndrome). It may also be used for asthma, cancer, painful menstrual periods, lung diseases, hay fever, certain mental/mood disorders (bipolar disorder), and to help prevent heart disease.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Use as directed on the package, unless instructed differently by your doctor. STORE THIS PRODUCT at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light unless otherwise directed on the package. IF YOU MISS A DOSE, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

CAUTIONS: FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risk of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS PRODUCT IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking omega-3 fatty acids include fishy taste, stomach gas (belching), nausea, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience easy bruising or bleeding (including nosebleeds). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with omega-3 fatty acids. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription, over-the-counter medicine, and herbal products that you are taking. IF YOU ARE ALSO TAKING aspirin, vitamin supplements (especially containing vitamin A and/or D), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), anti-platelet drugs (e.g., clopidogrel, ticlopidine), diabetes medicine (e.g., glyburide, insulin), cyclosporine, etretinate, other natural/herbal products, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking omega-3 fatty acids. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including diabetes, certain hereditary conditions (e.g., familial adenomatous polyposis), blood/bleeding problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions about omega-3 fatty acids.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This product does not always come in childproof containers. KEEP THIS PRODUCT out of the reach of children. The long-term safety of this product is not known. Before using any alternative medicines, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.