Lipfendra
Lipfendra (enlicitide) is an oral PCSK9 inhibitor that helps lower cholesterol in adults. It works best with a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise. Lipfendra (enlicitide) comes as a tablet that you take by mouth once every morning on an empty stomach. Side effects can include diarrhea and dizziness.
What is Lipfendra (enlicitide)?
What is Lipfendra (enlicitide) used for?
- High cholesterol in adults
- Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in adults
How Lipfendra (enlicitide) works
Lipfendra (enlicitide) is a PCSK9 inhibitor. It works by blocking a protein called PCSK9. This protein normally makes it harder for your liver to remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, from your blood.
By blocking PCSK9, Lipfendra (enlicitide) helps your liver remove more LDL cholesterol. This helps lower your cholesterol levels.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Lipfendra |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | PCSK9 inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Lipfendra (enlicitide)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
The following Lipfendra (enlicitide) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Lipfendra (enlicitide)
Pros
- Once-daily tablet that's taken by mouth
- Generally well tolerated
- Can take with other cholesterol medications, including statins
Cons
- Must take on an empty stomach every morning
- Must wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking after taking
- Only approved for adults
Pharmacist tips for Lipfendra (enlicitide)
- Take Lipfendra (enlicitide) every morning on an empty stomach with water, black coffee, or plain tea. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else. Making this part of your morning routine can help you remember to take the medication.
- Swallow Lipfendra (enlicitide) whole. Don't cut the tablet in half, crush it, or chew it. This helps make sure the medication works as it should. If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, talk to your prescriber about your options.
- If you miss a Lipfendra (enlicitide) dose, take it as soon as you remember. Be sure you have at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything (besides water, black coffee, or plain tea). Don't take two doses on the same day to make up for a missed dose.
- Keep taking Lipfendra (enlicitide) even if you feel well. High cholesterol usually doesn't cause symptoms, so you might not notice that the medication is working. Taking it every day can help make sure it works the best it can for you.
- Get your cholesterol checked when your prescriber tells you to. These blood tests help show how well Lipfendra (enlicitide) lowers your cholesterol. The results help your prescriber decide if your treatment needs to change.
- Store Lipfendra (enlicitide) at room temperature in its original bottle. Keep the drying packet (desiccant) in the bottle and keep the bottle cap tightly closed. This helps protect the medication from moisture.
- If you become pregnant while taking Lipfendra (enlicitide): Stop taking the medication right away and tell your prescriber. Lipfendra (enlicitide) might harm an unborn baby based on the way it works. Your prescriber can help find a safe treatment plan.
- If you plan to breastfeed: Talk to your prescriber. It's not known if Lipfendra (enlicitide) passes into breast milk. Your prescriber can talk to you about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while taking this medication. If needed, ask your prescriber or a lactation consultant about safe feeding options.
Lipfendra (enlicitide) dosage
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $308.65 | $10.29 |
Typical dosage for Lipfendra (enlicitide)
The typical dose is 20 mg by mouth once every morning on an empty stomach.
