Lovaza vs. OTC Fish Oil?

Question

My question is for those who are in the know (doctors, pharmacists, etc.). Please be prepared to provided a detailed explanation and cite sources, if available.

Is there any major difference between Lovaza (formerly Omacor) for over $80 and over the counter fish oil supplements, like Kirkland's Signature Fish Oil 1000 mg from Costco for $8.99?

I know that Lovaza's selling point is purity, but a 2003 article from Consumer Reports indicates that prescription fish oil and OTC fish oil are identical, other than price. I just want to confirm this is the community's findings.

Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

While I'm not a doc, I do know that the info in the consumer reports is correct.  I get nearly the same EPA and DHA from the fish oil I use (EPAmax from CNCA) as I do from pharma's version.  This is pharma's way of encroaching on the supplement market.  Just get fish oil (but watch the amount of DHA and EPA in each capsule).