OCU warns of new serious side effects of drugs, omega-3 supplements

this Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) echoed a new report European Medicines Agency (EMA) which has been confirmed Possible new adverse effects of omega-based medicines.

According to the OCU, omega-3 fatty acids are a type of healthy fat found naturally in certain foods, especially fatty fish such as herring, salmon, and sardines. These omega-3 acids play an important role in the normal functioning of our bodies and also help reduce levels of triglycerides (a type of fat found in the blood).

In fact, there are several drugs based on omega-3 fatty acids authorized for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. All of these require a doctor’s prescription.

As the package insert shows, omega-3-based drugs can produce a range of Negative Effects. Some are rare, such as gStellate enteritis, dizziness, dysgeusia, allergic reactions, ETC. and other more common symptoms, such as indigestion and nausea.

Now, the EMA is warning that these drugs can increase the likelihood of developing Atrial fibrillation in patients with cardiovascular disease (heart disease, angina, stroke, etc.) or any cardiovascular risk factors such as high body mass index, smoking, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Additionally, the higher the dose, especially the maximum dose of 4 grams per day, the greater the risk of this arrhythmia. AEMPS, for its part, suggests that this is a common adverse effect, i.e. This condition occurs in 1% to 10% of patients taking these drugs.

Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia in the upper chambers of the heart that causes the heart to beat chaotically, often very fast, according to the OCU. It is not a fatal condition in itself, but its consequences can be: If the blood cannot flow through the ventricles at the proper speed, it will clot and form clots, which then travel to other parts of the body (brain, lungs…)

.This could lead to a situation like Stroke or pulmonary embolism.

Atrial fibrillation arrhythmias may go unnoticed but sometimes cause symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness.In this sense, the OCU recommends that people taking omega-3 medications, especially those taking maximum doses and If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor.

and if atrial fibrillation is diagnosed, doctors will permanently discontinue treatment.

Supplement omega-3

In addition to prescription drugs, omega-3 fatty acids are also sold as dietary supplements, and in fact, many people turn to them. These supplements do not fall under the remit of the medicines regulator, so it is unclear whether the EMA’s warning on omega-3 medicines also applies to these products. However, OCU assures that this is possible.

“The fatty acids in omega-3 food supplements are generally the same as those in medications. However, in general, the fatty acids in food supplements are often present in smaller amounts and the recommended daily dose is lower,” he points out.