EFA
What is it?
EFA is an abbreviation for Essential Fatty Acids. These fats are needed to form normal cell structure and are used in many body functions. They are considered essential because they need to be consumed in the diet.
Other names for EFA include: Linoleic Acid, Alpha-Linoleic Acid, Omega 3, Omega 6, DHA, EPA, ALA, DGLA, GLA, and LA.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.
Before Using: Tell your doctor if you .
- are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
- are breastfeeding
- have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease
Dosage: There are many doses for this medicine. The most common doses for EFA are listed below. Ask your doctor if your health problem is not on the list or if the dose is not given for a product you want to use.
- Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA): The major source of GLA is Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)
- General Use, GLA: 3 to 6 grams (as Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)) daily, by mouth
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): The major source of DHA is fish oil
- General Use, DHA: 3 to 10 grams (as fish oil), daily, by mouth
- General Use, dihomogamma-linolenic acid (DGLA): 0.2 to 2 grams daily, by mouth
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): The major source of EPA is fish oil
- General Use, EPA: 3 to 10 grams (as fish oil), daily, by mouth
- Linoleic acid (LA): The major source of Linoleic acid are all vegetable oils
- General Use, LA: 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls, or 5 capsules (as flax seed oil), daily, by mouth
- Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA): The major source of ALA is flax seed oil
- General Use, ALA: 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls, or 5 capsules (as flax seed oil), daily, by mouth
Warnings:
- Before taking EFA, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Fish oils, a source of DHA, and EPA can be high in vitamin A and vitamin D. Taking more than 25000 IU of vitamin A per day, or 800 IU of vitamin D per day is not recommended
Side Effects: Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.
- Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
- Chest pain
- Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin
Other Possible Side Effects: This medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.
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