When taking Epanova, what should patients be cautious of?

When taking Epanova, which contains omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil, patients should be particularly cautious regarding fish allergies. Epanova is composed of omega-3-carboxylic acids, a form of omega-3 that is intended to manage triglyceride levels in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. However, since it is derived from fish, individuals who have a known allergy to fish may experience allergic reactions when taking this medication. Symptoms of a fish allergy can range from mild to severe and may include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.

In contrast, while shellfish allergies and other conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes are important health considerations, they are not direct contraindications for taking Epanova. Shellfish allergies could cause a concern, but they are distinctly different from fish allergies. High blood pressure and diabetes do not inherently affect the safety of using Epanova, although these conditions necessitate careful management and monitoring. Thus, the key point here is the specific risk posed by fish allergies when a patient is prescribed Epanova.