I am doing my part. Starting with my request to UCSF liver clinic that I could stop aspirin and start Vascepa, and could the question be referred to one of the surgeons, preferably one familiar with Vascepa.
This conversation is with one of the PA-C's whom I have known for many years.:
Their reply:
RE:about aspirin
Message body:
It is not a topic that our surgeons would specialize in. We all recommend fish oils to patients for the many benefits that it has cardiovascularly, lowering triglycerides and decreasing inflammation (amongst other benefits).
For management and prevention of eye disease you are best served by discussing with ophthalmology.
Fish oils do not have the anti thrombotic/ anti plateley effect of aspirin which is why aspirin is used post transplant. That said, many
of our patients are off aspirin for many reasons (from brain bleeds to easy bruising to stomach upset) so it is ok to be off in your case as you have no history of liver thrombotic events. And as mentioned earlier: the risk is not zero but it is small.
I replied:
Vascepa is not fish oil although it is a purified derivative of fish oil. It just had topline results released from a large CV outcomes study. The reduction of CV risk was earth shattering. With the moa of reducing inflammation It is highly relevant to surgical practice and I recommend highly that you watch for the NEJM article to be published next month. The study breakout will be presented at AHA on Nov 10th. Fish oil has been proven in several studies to have no benefit for CV risk. Vascepa reduced risk by 25% for patients on statins and for diabetics.
Their reply just now:
RE:about aspirin
Message body:
Great data! So great to avoid statins when possible.
I hope it helps with the macular degeneration. It should as this type of chemicals (fatty acids/ omega 3/ EPA) have been successful with retinal health.
No issue from the liver transplant end for you to use this.
I will look for and share the NEJM article. Thank you Mr. x!
Yes I know I left out details, but wanted to highlight Vascepa for further attention.
