Abstract Background Elevated triglycerides (TG) are recognised as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) even when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is within target.1 Icosapent Ethyl (IPE), a ≥96% purified form of eicosapentaenoic acid, significantly reduced major adverse cardiovascular events in the REDUCE-IT trial, supporting its role as adjunctive therapy for high-risk patients with elevated triglycerides (≥1.7 mmol/L 150 mg/dL) despite statin treatment. High-risk patients included primary prevention patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor.2,3 Objective To evaluate patient-reported experiences, including reasons for initiation, ease of use, side effects, adherence, and satisfaction among adults with T2DM prescribed IPE in a UK primary care setting. Methods A 16-item anonymous patient experience questionnaire was distributed to 169 patients with T2DM on IPE. Responses were voluntary, and 47 patients consented to participate; one patient declined and was omitted. Most participants were aged ≥60 years (74%) and female (57%). The majority had been taking IPE for more than 12 months (72%). Results Patients self-reported they were started on IPE for cardiovascular protection (70%), elevated triglycerides (38%), or risk of heart attack or stroke (19%), and 15% weren’t sure. While 57% reported being very/somewhat sure of the rationale for treatment, 30% expressed uncertainty. Patients’ experience of taking IPEs was largely positive or neutral (94%). Only 11% reported side effects, most commonly fishy taste, reflux, or difficulty swallowing the tablets. Self-reported adherence was high: 77% reported "never" or "almost never" missing doses, and 83% found IPE very/quite easy to take. Most (67%) identified a need for additional educational materials, while 33% felt sufficiently informed. Overall, 96% were satisfied or indifferent to IPE as part of their treatment plan. Conclusions Patients with T2DM prescribed IPE reported largely positive or neutral experiences, high adherence, and few side effects. However, a limited understanding of the rationale for treatment and the need for additional educational materials identifies a gap in patient education. While the REDUCE-IT trial has established the efficacy of IPE, few studies have explored patient understanding, satisfaction, and adherence outside of clinical trials.2,3 These findings highlight a disconnect between clinical evidence and patient awareness, underscoring the need for improved education and communication to optimise cardiovascular risk reduction in routine clinical practice.
Donaldson et al. (Mon,) studied this question.