Key takeaways
Nexletol (bempedoic acid) and Nexlizet (bempedoic acid / ezetimibe) are both medications used to treat high cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks and the need for a procedure to open blocked arteries (a "stent") in adults at risk for heart disease. They are not statins but work to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or "bad cholesterol," in different ways. Nexletol is an ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor, while Nexlizet combines this with ezetimibe, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor. Nexletol is taken as a single 180 mg tablet once daily, whereas Nexlizet combines 180 mg of bempedoic acid with 10 mg of ezetimibe in one tablet, also taken once daily. Both medications can raise uric acid levels, potentially leading to gout, and neither has a generic version available. Nexlizet may lower LDL-C by almost 40% when taken with a statin, compared to Nexletol's 25% reduction in patients who were not taking a statin. Additionally, Nexlizet may cause more side effects like upper respiratory infections and diarrhea. Both medications should be used with caution if you have a history of tendon problems or are taking certain other medications.
