Uses
What is Nexletol used for?
Nexletol (bempedoic acid) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- To lower the risk of heart attack and certain heart procedures like stent placement or bypass surgery in people with heart disease or at high risk for heart disease
- To lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) in people with high cholesterol levels
- To lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) in people born with a genetic condition affecting how the body removes cholesterol from the blood (heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia)
Nexletol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Nexletol work (mechanism of action)?
Nexletol reduces cholesterol by decreasing the amount made by your liver and increasing the breakdown of bad cholesterol.
How is Nexletol supplied (dosage forms)?
Nexletol is available as 180 mg oral tablets that are taken by mouth.
How should I store Nexletol?
Nexletol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Nexletol?
The most common side effects of Nexletol are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Increased uric acid level (see below)
- Infection in the nose, throat (sore throat), or common cold symptoms
- Muscle spasms
- Back pain
- Stomach pain
- Anemia
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
There may be other side effects of Nexletol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Nexletol?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Nexletol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Nexletol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Nexletol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Tendon Problems. Nexletol may increase your risk of tendon rupture or injury. Tendons are the connectors between your bones and muscles. Problems with tendons can happen in people who are taking Nexletol. This can possibly lead to tendon swelling, also called tendonitis, or tearing of the tendon. Tendon problems can occur with the tendon on the back of your ankle, called the Achilles tendon, as well as tendons in the shoulder and the upper arm. Stop using Nexletol, rest the affected area, and get medical help right away if you hear or feel a snap, see bruising right after an injury, or cannot move or put weight on a limb.
Increased Uric Acid Level (Hyperuricemia). Nexletol may increase your blood uric acid levels. This can happen within 4 weeks of starting Nexletol and continue throughout treatment. Your healthcare provider may monitor your blood uric acid levels. High levels of blood uric acid may lead to gout. Call your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms of hyperuricemia and gout.
- Severe foot pain, especially in the toe joint
- Warm joints
- Swelling
- Tender joints
- Joint redness
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Nexletol?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Nexletol.
- Bempedoic acid
- Nexletol
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Nexletol.
What should I know about Nexletol before using it?
Do not take Nexletol unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Nexletol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Nexletol out of the reach of children.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Nexletol?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Nexletol is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
- Gout
- Tendon problems
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Anemia
Other Medicines and Supplements. Nexletol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Nexletol, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. Nexletol may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Nexletol while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you do take Nexletol when pregnant, you are encouraged to share information about your and your baby's health by calling 833-377-7633.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Nexletol passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Nexletol.
How can I get more information about Nexletol?
For more information about Nexletol, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.esperion.com or call them at 833-377-7633.
Interactions
Does Nexletol interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Nexletol and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Nexletol.
Does Nexletol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Nexletol.
- Simvastatin, which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
- Pravastatin, which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Nexletol?
If you or someone else has used too much Nexletol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Nexletol?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Nexletol (bempedoic acid)?
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