Vascepa (generic: icosapent ethyl) is a prescription medication used along with a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet to treat high triglyceride levels. Vascepa contains ethyl esters of the omega-3 fatty acid obtained from fish oil. Although the exact way Vascepa works is still unknown, it is believed to work by lowering the amount of triglycerides that are made in the liver, and by increasing the amount of triglycerides that are broken down in the blood stream.

This medication comes in capsule form and is taken twice daily, with food.

The most common side effect of Vascepa is joint pain.