In patients with hepatic impairment, monitor ALT and AST levels periodically during therapy. LOVAZA may increase levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Monitor LDL levels periodically during therapy. Use with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish. There is a possible association between LOVAZA and more frequent recurrences of symptomatic atrial fibrillation or flutter in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation, particularly within the first months of initiating therapy. 5.1 Monitoring: Laboratory Tests In patients with hepatic impairment, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels should be monitored periodically during therapy with LOVAZA. In some patients, increases in ALT levels without a concurrent increase in AST levels were observed. In some patients, LOVAZA increases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. LDL-C levels should be monitored periodically during therapy with LOVAZA. Laboratory studies should be performed periodically to measure the patient's TG levels during therapy with LOVAZA
Fish Allergy LOVAZA contains ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) obtained from the oil of several fish sources. It is not known whether patients with allergies to fish and/or shellfish, are at increased risk of an allergic reaction to LOVAZA. LOVAZA should be used with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish
Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation (AF) or Flutter In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 663 subjects with symptomatic paroxysmal AF (n = 542) or persistent AF (n = 121), recurrent AF or flutter was observed in subjects randomized to LOVAZA who received 8 grams/day for 7 days and 4 grams/day thereafter for 23 weeks at a higher rate relative to placebo. Subjects in this trial had median baseline TG levels of 127 mg/dL, had no substantial structural heart disease, were taking no anti-arrhythmic therapy (rate control permitted), and were in normal sinus rhythm at baseline. At 24 weeks, in the paroxysmal AF stratum, there were 129 (47%) first recurrent symptomatic AF or flutter events on placebo and 141 (53%) on LOVAZA (primary endpoint, HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.93, 1.35). In the persistent AF stratum, there were 19 (35%) events on placebo and 34 (52%) events on LOVAZA (HR: 1.63; 95% CI: 0.91, 2.18). For both strata combined, the HR was 1.25; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.40. Although the clinical significance of these results is uncertain, there is a possible association between LOVAZA and more frequent recurrences of symptomatic AF or flutter in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF, particularly within the first 2 to 3 months of initiating therapy. LOVAZA is not indicated for the treatment of AF or flutter.