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Bempedoic acid tablets

NEXLETOL® is a brand of bempedoic acid. It lowers the level of cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a type of fat that helps your body perform many important functions. But too much cholesterol in your blood is bad for you.

What is this medication?

Bempedoic acid (BEM pe DOE ik AS id) is used to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood. It is used with other cholesterol-lowering drugs.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): NEXLETOL

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Gout.
  • Kidney problems.
  • Liver problems.
  • Tendon problems.
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to bempedoic acid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
  • Pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
  • Breast-feeding.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician about the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

  • Simvastatin.
  • Pravastatin.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your healthcare provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your healthcare professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

This drug is only part of a total heart-health program. Your doctor or a dietitian can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to help. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
  • Signs of gout such as swollen, red, warm, or tender joints, especially in the toes.
  • Signs of tendon problems such as tendon pain or swelling or if you are unable to move a joint.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Back pain.
  • Cold or flu-like symptoms.
  • Muscle spasms.
  • Stomach pain.

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medicine in the original container. Do not throw out the packet in the container. It keeps the medicine dry. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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