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Nexletol
Used for High Cholesterol
Used for High Cholesterol
Nexletol (bempedoic acid) is a brand-name medication that treats adults with high cholesterol, including those with a genetic condition called familial hypercholesterolemia. It also helps lower the risk of heart attack and the need for a procedure that opens blocked arteries to help blood flow to the heart in adults at risk for heart disease who aren't taking statins. Nexletol (bempedoic acid) is an ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor that lowers LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Nexletol (bempedoic acid) is a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day. Side effects include having high uric acid levels and muscle spasms.
What is Nexletol (bempedoic acid)?
What is Nexletol (bempedoic acid) used for?
- Treatment of high cholesterol
- Treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (genetic condition that causes high cholesterol)
- Lower the risk of heart attack and the need for a heart procedure that opens blocked arteries to help blood flow to the heart (e.g., stent placement) in adults at risk for heart disease
How Nexletol (bempedoic acid) works
Nexletol (bempedoic acid) is an ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor. ACL is a protein in your body that's involved in making cholesterol in your liver. Nexletol (bempedoic acid) works by blocking ACL. This helps stop your body from making LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), also known as "bad cholesterol." As a result, the medication helps lower LDL-C levels in your blood.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Nexletol |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | ACL inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Nexletol (bempedoic acid) essentials
Side effects of Nexletol (bempedoic acid)
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
- High uric acid levels (16%)
- Kidney problems (11%)
- Anemia (low red blood cell count; 5%)
- High liver enzyme levels (4%)
- Muscle spasms (4%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Gout
- Gallstones
- Back or stomach pain
More on Nexletol (bempedoic acid) side effects
The following Nexletol (bempedoic acid) 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
- High uric acid level—severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in joints, pain or trouble passing urine, pain in the lower back or sides
- Joint, muscle, or tendon pain, swelling, or stiffness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Diarrhea
- Muscle spasms
- Stomach pain
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Pros and cons of Nexletol (bempedoic acid)
Pros
- Taken by mouth once per day
- Can take by itself, with a statin, or with other cholesterol-lowering medications
- Lowers LDL-C (bad cholesterol) by an average of almost 20% after 3 months of taking Nexletol (bempedoic acid) with a statin
- Can take if you have mild-to-moderate kidney or liver problems
Cons
- Only available as a tablet that can't be crushed
- Can raise uric acid levels, which can be a cause of gout
- Hasn't been studied in children, so it's not known how safe or how well the medication is for them
- No lower-cost generic available; brand name only
Pharmacist tips for Nexletol (bempedoic acid)
- It can take a few months for your cholesterol levels to drop after you start treatment with Nexletol (bempedoic acid). Follow up with your prescriber when instructed to get a blood test done to check your lipid panel (the levels of different kinds of cholesterol and fats in your blood). This will help you and your prescriber see how well Nexletol (bempedoic acid) is working for you.
- Take Nexletol (bempedoic acid) with or without food. You can try taking it with food to help with any upset stomach you might have from the medication.
- Swallow the Nexletol (bempedoic acid) tablets whole. Let your prescriber know if you're having trouble swallowing them. Discuss with your prescriber whether there's a different cholesterol-lowering medication that might be easier for you to take.
- Nexletol (bempedoic acid) works best if you take it every day, follow a balanced and nutritious heart-healthy diet, and get regular exercise. Speak with your prescriber about resources for meal planning and exercises that are appropriate for you.
- Limit or avoid alcohol while you're taking Nexletol (bempedoic acid). Both alcohol and Nexletol (bempedoic acid) can raise the risk for liver problems. In addition, drinking a lot of alcohol can make your cholesterol go up. Speak with your prescriber about your drinking habits and how to safely take Nexletol (bempedoic acid).
- It's not recommended to take more than 20 mg of simvastatin (Zocor) or 40 mg of pravastatin (Pravachol) per day with Nexletol (bempedoic acid). The levels of these particular statins can rise in the body when you take them with Nexletol (bempedoic acid). This can raise your risk for statin-related muscle pain. Let your prescriber know if you feel muscle pain if you're taking Nexletol (bempedoic acid) with a statin.
Risks and warnings for Nexletol (bempedoic acid)
Nexletol (bempedoic acid) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
High uric acid levels
- Risk factors: History of gout
Nexletol (bempedoic acid) can raise your uric acid levels in the blood. This usually starts to happen within the first month of taking Nexletol (bempedoic acid). High uric acid levels can lead to symptoms of gout, like pain, redness, and tenderness in your joints. Contact your prescriber if you have any gout symptoms. Your prescriber might need to check your uric acid levels through blood work. Depending on your lab results, your prescriber might recommend that you start taking medications that help lower your uric acid levels.
Tendon rupture or injury
- Risk factors: Age older than 60 years | Taking corticosteroids or certain antibiotics with Nexletol (bempedoic acid) | Kidney failure | History of tendon problems
Although very rare, it's possible for Nexletol (bempedoic acid) to raise the risk for injury or rupture in your tendons. In clinical trials, tendon rupture happened in fewer than 1% of people who took Nexletol (bempedoic acid). These injuries happened in the shoulder, biceps, or Achilles heel. And they happened within the first weeks to months of treatment.
The risk for tendon injuries might be higher in people older than 60 years old, people taking corticosteroids or certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin (Cipro), people with kidney failure, and people with a history of tendon problems. Don't exercise or do anything that could worsen your injury if you have any pain or swelling in a joint or if you have difficulty moving a joint. Contact your prescriber right away if you have symptoms of tendon problems because you might have to stop taking Nexletol (bempedoic acid).
Nexletol (bempedoic acid) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 180mg of Nexletol (bempedoic acid) is $10.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 98.05% off the average retail price of $513.20. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180mg | 30 tablets | $10.00 | $0.33 |
Typical dosage for Nexletol (bempedoic acid)
The typical dose is 180 mg by mouth once per day.
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How much does Nexletol (bempedoic acid) cost?
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Nexletol (brand)
$10.00
What are alternatives to Nexletol (bempedoic acid)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Nexletol (bempedoic acid). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Nexletol (bempedoic acid)
How Much Is Nexletol Without Insurance?
Nexletol can cost over $400 for 30 tablets if you don’t have insurance. See what can affect the price of Nexletol, how you can save with insurance, and more.
7 Nexletol Side Effects You Should Know About
Nexletol treats high cholesterol levels. Read on to learn the side effects of Nexletol, including common and rare side effects as well as how to manage them.
Nexletol vs. Statins for High Cholesterol: 6 Things to Consider
Nexletol and statins can help lower cholesterol levels, but they work in unique ways and have specific risks. Learn more about Nexletol versus statins with GoodRx.
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