Indications
Nexletol (active ingredient: bempedoic acid) is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Primary Hypercholesterolemia: Nexletol is used as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for the treatment of adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, who require additional LDL-cholesterol lowering.
Nexletol belongs to a class of drugs known as ATP-citrate lyase inhibitors, which work by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver, ultimately leading to decreased LDL-cholesterol levels.
Uses and Dosage
Nexletol comes as a tablet and should be taken orally, with or without food as per your doctor's guidance, typically once a day. Take the tablet routinely to get the maximum advantage from it, and make sure to use it at the same time every day. Even if you feel better, continue taking the tablet since most people with high cholesterol do not experience any symptoms. Additionally, follow your doctor's instructions regarding diet and exercise. It may take up to 12 weeks for the medication to show its full effect.
Therefore, take Nexletol as directed by your doctor, once daily with or without food, and consistently at the same time each day. Do not discontinue it without your doctor's permission since high cholesterol patients usually do not experience symptoms. Keep following your diet and exercise plan and be patient as the medication may take time to show its effect, up to 12 weeks.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Nexletol (Bempedoic Acid):
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Hyperuricemia (elevated level of uric acid in the blood)
- Muscle spasms
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold
Serious Side Effects of Nexletol (Bempedoic Acid):
- Allergic reaction
- Anemia (low levels of red blood cells)
- Bronchitis
- Increased levels of liver enzymes
- Joint redness
- Mild hyperuricemia
- Pain in your arms, legs, or shoulders
- Severe foot pain especially in the toe joint
- Severe hyperuricemia, which may lead to a condition called gout
- Swelling
- Tender joints
- Tendon rupture
- Upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold
- Warm joints
Form and Strength
Nexletol (Bempedoic Acid) is available in the following forms and strength:
Bempedoic Acid: Tablet
- 180 mg
Caution
- Patients who are allergic to bempedoic acid or any of the inactive ingredients in Nexletol should not take this medication.
- Nexletol can increase the risk of tendon problems, including tendon ruptures, especially in patients who are over the age of 60 or who have a history of tendon disorders.
- Patients with liver or kidney problems may need to be monitored closely while taking Nexletol.
- Patients with gout may be at increased risk of flare-ups while taking Nexletol.
- The safety of Nexletol during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unknown, so it should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
- Nexletol may interact with other medications, herbs, and supplements, so patients should inform their healthcare provider of all the products they are taking before starting Nexletol. Muscle pain: Nexletol may cause muscle pain, which can be a symptom of a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis.
- Nexletol has not been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes, so it should not be used as a substitute for other medications that have been shown to reduce this risk.
- Nexletol may cause dizziness or blurred vision, which could affect a patient's ability to drive or operate machinery.
- Patients taking Nexletol should inform their healthcare provider if they are planning to have surgery, as Nexletol may interact with anesthesia and other medications used during surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Nexletol be used in combination with other medications?
Nexletol may interact with other medications, herbs, and supplements, so patients should inform their healthcare provider of all the products they are taking before starting Nexletol.
Is Nexletol safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
The safety of Nexletol during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unknown, so it should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
How long does it take for Nexletol to work?
The length of time it takes for Nexletol to work may vary, and patients should follow the instructions of their healthcare provider.
Can Nexletol be taken by people with liver or kidney problems?
Patients with liver or kidney problems may need to be monitored closely while taking Nexletol, and a lower dosage may be recommended.
How long Nexletol should be taken for?
The length of time that Nexletol is taken may be determined by a healthcare professional based on a patient's individual needs.
Resources
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-nexletol-side-effects
- https://www.drugs.com/nexletol.html
- https://www.goodrx.com/nexletol/fda-approves-nexletol-for-high-cholesterol
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-178906/nexletol-oral/details
- https://www.nexlizet.com/nexletol
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/211616s000lbl.pdf
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