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Prescription Fish Oil for Dry Eyes

Q. What do you know about prescription Lovaza? My eye doctor prescribed it for dry eyes and eye surface damage due to Sjogren’s syndrome.

I have great respect for my doctor, but I would like to know if other forms of omega-3 fats are just as effective. Lovaza is very costly. He also has me taking flax oil.

A. Lovaza is prescription-strength fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) approved for lowering high triglycerides. A month’s supply may cost over $160.

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by arthritis, dry mouth, dry eyes, dry skin and dry, brittle nails and hair. There is some preliminary evidence that omega-3 fatty acids found in both fish and flax oil might be helpful (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Oct. 2005). We see no reason why you couldn’t use high-quality OTC fish oil in lieu of Lovaza.

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About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
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