Perceptions, knowledge, and patterns of use of "fish oil" products in cardiac patients

Purpose: To determine cardiac patients' beliefs, knowledge and patterns of use of "fish oil" products (FOP).

Methods: Patients using a FOP admitted to a university-affiliated cardiology service were interviewed by pharmacy students or pharmacists. Patients were asked questions about their FOP including the following: indication, who recommended the product, place of purchase, active ingredient, brand, dose, and cost of product.

Results: 496 patients were included. Comorbidities included coronary disease (96%), dyslipidemia (72%), hypertension (70%), and coronary revascularization (45%). 60% indicated they were taking FOP for a specific disease indication while 40% indicated they were taking FOP for a general health indication (heart health, brain health, general health). Only 10% indicated they were taking a FOP specifically for a lipid disorder. Only 9% (n=45) of patients were told to take a FOP by their physician. Only 22 were given prescriptions for Lovaza®. 9 of these 22 patients were actually filling their Lovaza® prescriptions. 75% of patients could not identify the active ingredient in their FOP. 107 patients accurately identified the active ingredient in their FOP, but only 23 knew the dose they were taking. 73% of patients indicated they purchased the same brand of FOP each time they purchased their FOP. 17% of patients purchased their FOP in a pharmacy. 98% of patients paid less than $25 per month for their FOP while 47% spent less than $15 per month. Only 2% of patients paid more than $25 per month and all were receiving Lovaza®.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the vast majority of patients are under-educated concerning their FOP. Few patients (10%) are actually taking FOP for lipid disorders, while only 9% were told to take FOP by their physicians. Pharmacists should play a greater role in educating patients about the use of FOP.