Many people use omega-3 supplements or fish oil pills in order to improve their HDL (good cholesterol levels) as part of their daily diet and nutrition routine.

However, many adverse bleeding side effects are being reported that omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as the prescription medication Lovaza, may lead to subdural hematomas or brain bleed, especially in elderly users.

What are Omega 3s?

Omega-3 fatty acids
 are considered essential fatty acids. They are necessary for human health, but the body can’t make them. You have to get them through food. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafood’s including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils.

Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega 3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function, as well as normal growth and development. They have also become popular because they may reduce the risk of heart disease.

To increase intake to these levels, sometimes physicians prescribe omega-3 supplements like Lovaza.

What is Lovaza?

Lovaza is a prescription Omega-3 fatty acid supplement produced by GlaxoSmithKline (“GSK”) combining ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids, principally EPA and DHA. Essentially, Lovaza is a highly purified and concentrated omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid preparation, and is the first prescription omega-3 product intended for the purpose of lowering very high (greater than 500 mg/dL) triglyceride levels in adults.

High triglyceride levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death, and can lead to dangerous liver disease.

Lovaza works by decreasing the level of triglycerides or other fat substances made by the liver. Lovaza is an antilipemic or lipid-regulating medication. It comes in a liquid-filled gel capsule to take orally, with or without food, twice a day.

Despite over-the-counter alternatives, Lovaza is extremely profitable, grossing over a billion dollars per year. Unfortunately, many adverse reports are surfacing that Lovaza is not only costly to consumers’ wallets, but may be costly to their health.

What is a Subdural Hematoma?

Although a traumatic head injury is often the cause of a subdural hematoma or brain bleeding, some reports are raising concerns that cranial bleeding may be linked to omega-3 supplements, like Lovaza.  Symptoms of a possible Lovaza subdural hematoma include:

• Lethargy or confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness
• Seizures
• Speech impairment
• Visual problems

Lovaza Bleeding Risk

While omega-3s like Lovaza are important, they are associated with dangerous internal bleeding risks, specifically subdural hematoma. omega-3s sometimes increase a person’s risk for developing serious and potentially fatal bleeding risks, especially if an individual ingests three or more grams per day of the dietary supplement.

With patients who already have a bleeding disorder or take medications, such as blood thinners or drugs associated with a risk of bleeding, the risk of developing a brain bleed or subdural hematoma from an omega-3 like Lovaza is even greater.

The elderly population is most likely to develop chronic subdural hematoma. In fact, The Journal of Neurosurgery estimates that chronic subdural hematoma will affect 60,000 U.S. patients every year by 2030 and will be the most common reason for brain surgery.

The symptoms of a subdural hematoma may take days or weeks to appear after the onset of bleeding. Age, medical conditions, medications and the size of the bleed also affect this time range.

If you or a loved one suffered a subdural hematoma after taking Lovaza omega-3 fatty acid, you may have a legal claim. Filing a Lovaza lawsuit could help you recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual Lovaza lawsuit or Lovaza class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, Lovaza lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

Learn More