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Bempedoic Acid; Ezetimibe Tablets

What is this medication?

BEMPEDOIC ACID; EZETIMIBE (BEM pe DOE ik AS id; ez ET i mibe) treats high cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart attack. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by your body. It also reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed from the food you eat. This decreases the amount of bad cholesterol (such as LDL) in your blood. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): NEXLIZET

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 disease
  • Tendon problems
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to bempedoic acid, ezetimibe, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Take this medication at least 2 hours BEFORE or at least 4 hours AFTER administration of a bile acid sequestrant.

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

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.Take this medication at least 2 hours BEFORE or at least 4 hours AFTER administration of a bile acid sequestrant.Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

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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.

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?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Fenofibrate
  • Gemfibrozil

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Antacids
  • Cyclosporine
  • Other medications to lower cholesterol or triglycerides
  • Pravastatin
  • Simvastatin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care 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.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Your care team may tell you to stop taking this medication if you develop muscle problems. If your muscle problems do not go away after stopping this medication, contact your care team.

Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Ask your care team if there are other changes you can make to improve your overall health.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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
  • Fatigue
  • 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 and pets.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container. Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Do not throw out the packet in the container. It keeps the medication dry. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the trash or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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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.

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

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