Uses
What is Nexlizet used for?
Nexlizet (bempedoic acid/ezetimibe) 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)
Nexlizet may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Nexlizet work (mechanism of action)?
Nexlizet reduces cholesterol by decreasing the amount made by your liver and increasing the breakdown of bad cholesterol. It also inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.
How is Nexlizet supplied (dosage forms)?
Nexlizet is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 180 mg/10 mg oral tablets
How should I store Nexlizet?
Nexlizet 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 Nexlizet?
The most common side effects of Nexlizet 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
- Pain in back, joints, shoulder, legs, or arms
- Stomach pain
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Anemia
- Kidney problems
- Tiredness
- Influenza
There may be other side effects of Nexlizet 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 Nexlizet?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Nexlizet are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Nexlizet may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Nexlizet 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. Nexlizet 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 Nexlizet. 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 Nexlizet, 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). Nexlizet may increase your blood uric acid levels. This can happen within 4 weeks of starting Nexlizet 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 Nexlizet?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Nexlizet.
- Bempedoic acid
- Nexletol
- Ezetimibe
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Nexlizet.
What should I know about Nexlizet before using it?
Do not take Nexlizet unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Nexlizet with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Nexlizet out of the reach of children.
Do not cut, crush, or chew Nexlizet tablets.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Nexlizet?
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 Nexlizet 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. Nexlizet may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Nexlizet, 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. Nexlizet 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 Nexlizet while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you do take Nexlizet 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 Nexlizet 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 Nexlizet.
How can I get more information about Nexlizet?
For more information about Nexlizet, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.esperion.com or call them at 833-377-7633.
Interactions
Does Nexlizet interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Nexlizet and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Nexlizet.
Does Nexlizet 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 Nexlizet.
- Simvastatin, which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
- Pravastatin, which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system)
- A fibrate, such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibrate (Tricor), or fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), which is a medicine for high cholesterol
- A bile acid sequestrant, such as colestipol (Colestid), cholestyramine, or colesevelam (Welchol), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Nexlizet. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Nexlizet?
If you or someone else has used too much Nexlizet, 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 Nexlizet?
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 Nexlizet (bempedoic acid/ezetimibe)?
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